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• Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

English PhD Programs w/ No Foreign Language Requirement

By TonyB July 23, 2014 in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

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To put it simply, I've been researching and it's been a **tch trying to find one. Anyone help me out?

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Dr. Old Bill

Rice University and SUNY Buffalo have no stated language requirements.

U of Chicago has one...but it can be achieved by taking an applied "Language for Research Purposes" course. They also have some other unique options for fulfilling the requirement.

WashU requires a basic reading knowledge of ONE language, as opposed to the usual two depending on the subfield.

I have a column on my master grad school spreadsheet for this, as languages have always been a weak spot of mine as well. I somehow managed to get straight As through four semesters of beginner and intermediate Spanish, but I certainly can't claim to have even reading knowledge of the language. Indeed, it took a couple of English professors to convince me that not having strong foreign language skills shouldn't be a deterrent to pursuing graduate study...

Hope this helps!

Yeah, it seems like most want you to demonstrate a "basic" knowledge of at least two languages or "advanced" knowledge of one. A couple say you can take a "course" (I'm assuming this means one class) rather than a one- or two-year sequence in undergrad foreign language.

And yep, languages were a weak spot of mine in high school, and I've forgotten all but the VERY basics of what I learned. Seems like a lot to take on, alongside teaching, writing/thesis work, ordinary coursework, and whatnot. I'd like to avoid it if I can.

Any other info you have on schools with nonexistent (or easily satisfiable) language requirements would be much appreciated. Thanks!

ETA: Any info about funding at Buffalo? How many incoming PhD's they fund, stipend for average TAship, etc.?

Bearing in mind that my list contains only the schools I am most interested in (i.e., it's not comprehensive), I can tell you that Yale just requires a couple of courses to fulfill their language requirement (ENGL 500 and ENGL 501 -- Old English and Beowulf respectively). Very reasonable, in my opinion. Cornell is a bit ambiguous, as reading knowledge of one or two languages is required, depending on what path you go down. Brown is similar in that regard. In fact, I get the sense from a few institutions that despite what is stated on their admissions page, there's a bit of give-and-take. If you are focusing exclusively on a subset of contemporary American literature, you might be able to get away with only having reading knowledge of Spanish. Northwestern requires one "advanced" language. Vanderbilt seems to require just one, and it is tested via a two-hour exam with dictionary...and there are unlimited retakes. So it's fairly forgiving. UMD College Park and Penn State seem to require reading knowledge just one language. Bear in mind that there's always the possibility that my info could be off. Most of this is based on research I did back in March.

As for SUNY Buffalo funding, their admissions site makes it appear as though it's NOT guaranteed. I've read in another Grad Cafe thread that funding is granted to those with a cumulative GRE general score of 313, but I have to imagine there's a little bit of wiggle room there. I may reach out to a grad student there in the not-too-distant future, and if that info comes up, I'll pass it along.

EDIT: Okay, a BIG caveat here. I didn't see that your focus is on Creative Writing programs. All of the parameters I mentioned are for Ph.D. English programs, so I really don't know how much crossover there is.

ἠφανισμένος

Bearing in mind that my list contains only the schools I am most interested in (i.e., it's not comprehensive), I can tell you that Yale just requires a couple of courses to fulfill their language requirement (ENGL 500 and ENGL 501 -- Old English and Beowulf respectively). Very reasonable, in my opinion. 

That's not quite accurate for Yale English, which actually requires two languages :

Two languages appropriate to the student's field: strong reading knowledge of one language, to be demonstrated either by a) passing an advanced literature course at Yale (graduate or upper-level undergraduate), b ) passing a one-hour departmental exam without the use of a dictionary, or c) passing both English 500 and English 501; reading knowledge of a second language, to be demonstrated by passing a one-hour departmental exam with a dictionary.

So the Old English sequence is one of three ways to pass the first language, but you'd still have one more.  I don't mean to nitpick, I just thought I'd point it out since you're applying there.

Ah, great catch there, Petros. Thanks!

cloudofunknowing

Though the question of proficiency in other languages does depend upon the school and program in question -- some have clearly defined requirements with strict standards, others have clearly defined ones with less than strict standards, etc, etc -- another important thing to consider, especially when evaluating PhD programs, is how those language requirements jive with the genre, area, and/or historical period(s) you want to research in terms of primary and secondary (scholarly, critical) texts. As I understand it, this kind of thing becomes particularly important for someone wanting to work within earlier, older periods of literary history, especially the medieval and early modern periods of British literature because of the cross-pollination between French and Italian languages and literary traditions with the English, for example. A facility with, or at least a reading knowledge of, languages like this would be an asset -- and some would argue a necessity -- for someone working within such time periods. Can someone write about Chaucer's Knight's Tale and do a good job of it by referencing a translation of Boccaccio's Teseida ? Sure. But being able to use/read it in the original has its benefits, too. (Then, of course, there's Latin, which virtually anyone wanting to do medieval or early modern scholarship would be wrestling with.) What's asked for, or what's required, is enough facility to be able to read and analyze primary texts in another language (Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarch, etc) and also be able to read/utilize/deploy scholarship written in other languages, too. And I think that Wyatt is right: if you intend to become an Americanist, you probably won't find yourself needing to read French scholarship on Salinger very often, but any program requiring foreign language proficiency re: your proposed fields will still require that you have working knowledge.    

• Dr. Old Bill and unræd

I'm primarily looking at MFA programs, most of which do NOT have a language requirement. I've been looking at a couple of MA's recently as well, however (primarily U. of Maine's English MA and Bowling Green's Popular Culture program), which would necessitate applying to PhD programs when I finish, if I want to come out with a full-fledged teaching credential. I've been looking mostly at accelerated PhD programs -- 3 to 4 years beyond the MA -- preferably with an emphasis in journalism, film/media studies, or folklore. So that's where my research interests and such lie.

So far, I've found that WashU, Indiana University, and U. of Missouri's English/folklore programs all have requirements for the foreign language, whereas Ohio U. and Ohio State's Communication/Journalism PhD programs do not. I'm primarily interested in English programs, as I said, but I'm willing to branch out a little if I can avoid that language requirement.

Yup, Cloudofunknowing is likely spot on.

Funnily enough, I don't find the prospect of learning a new language nearly as daunting as I did even three months ago. So long as it can be applied , I have no problem with it. When I had to learn language just to fulfill a degree requirement, it irked me a slight bit. But given my own possible / probable path, I anticipate learning Italian and possibly Latin to complement my interests. I don't think any reasonable study of sonnets could be done without at least Italian, given that the form originated in Italy... Kind of a no-brainer, really.

• cloudofunknowing and unræd

For anyone else who's interested, I've discovered -- by talking to a faculty member, in the case of WashU -- that the language requirements at WashU, Bowling Green, and Ohio University all seem to be not terribly stringent. Rather than the standard reading knowledge of two/fluency in one requirement, WashU and Ohio (like Vanderbilt, according to another poster above) simply require either a translation test with dictionary or a course that can be taken during the summer.

Almost every school has language requirements .

In almost every case "reading knowledge" is shorthand for a translation test with a dictionary. Quite a few graduate faculties post example exams—here are U of Chicago's, for example:  https://registrar.sites.uchicago.edu/languge-exams (note the hilarious spelling error) 

Give or take a few minor differences (length, content, small changes in difficulty) the Chicago exams can be seen as a pretty standard template. All you need to be able to do is pass a maximum of two of these exams—generally by your second or third year. Obviously it helps to be able to go into the program being able to pass at least one of the two (where two are asked for), but it's not vital. One of my professors (top program, etc) mentioned that he was able to pass having studied a language for under a month. They are not strenuous exams, and it is in the department's interest for you to pass.  That being said, cloudofunknowing is correct to point out specific period/geographic language requirements (medievalists & early modernists particularly). There has also been a recent move towards more transnational methodologies in literary studies, so languages are a boon in that case. Despite that though, the language requirements are less threatening than they appear. Unless you're hoping to be a medievalist, or—in certain cases, a postcolonialist (you might want Hindi or Bengali to study Indian lit, for example)—you really don't need to be anything close to fluent, nor to be able to read novels in another language. More or less, you need a good dictionary and a rudimentary understanding of grammatical structures. 

My research interest is more in modern/contemporary American literature, film, popular culture, and/or modern American folklore, so I doubt I would have much use for an extensive knowledge of foreign language... though, as CoU pointed out, I could see the utility more for someone who was looking to be able to analyze Greek or Latin or Old English texts! In all honesty I'd probably just do the minimum where the language requirement is concerned.

In that case, TonyB, I think Spanish is probably your best bet, and would probably be expected . The influence of Mexico and Central America on American folklore, and even contemporary American literature is considerable, often in ways one might not expect at first glance. If nothing else, Spanish-American literature is an important (and growing) subfield of American lit. Given some of the Dutch, German, and even Polish roots of the country, those might be advantageous to your studies as well.

Honestly, languages are daunting, but as others have mentioned, reading language is what's required, as opposed to conversational language. The two can be taught in remarkably different ways, and according to my mother-in-law (who is a Spanish professor and speaks four languages fluently), most big Universities have courses like the "language for research purposes" one I mentioned above.

Checked out some of the sample exams polis posted, and I have to say I'm feeling much more confident about this. So essentially one option for satisfying the requirement at many schools would be to simply pass two exams (for two different languages) like that? Seems doable -- and much more reasonable than having to tackle a two-year undergrad course, and/or have the fluency to read a whole novel.

As it happens, I unearthed some old 'Learn Spanish/German the Lazy Way' CD-ROMs while going through some stuff at my dad's house. May just have to bust them out as I'm preparing to start sending in PhD applications in a couple years. (Plan to get my MA or MFA first).

• mypoets and LurkersGonnaLurk

Well, one thing to remember is that you usually don't have to have your languages until after at least the first year of a Ph.D. program. There are a few I've come across that prefer seeing that you have a language when you enroll, but most FL requirements seem to just want the languages by the qualifying exam...which is usually two or three years in. In other words, you've got up to four years to get a basic reading knowledge of a couple of languages. An intensive summer course should probably give that to you.

I also suggest that you hold off until closer to your Ph.D. application period to learn a language. I finished intermediate Spanish almost exactly a year ago (I took it in four consecutive semesters), but I've already forgotten more than I care to admit. I'm crossing my fingers that whatever grad school I'm accepted into will consider undergraduate credits as proof of reading knowledge (some do), but it's possible that I'll just need to take a refresher course, or learn two fresh languages.

Ultimately though, I've realized that despite the relative PITA that is the FL requirement, it's not overly prohibitive.

Good times!

I'll be applying to eight or nine MFA programs this winter and one English MA -- University of Maine at Orono -- if I don't get in, or end up going to Maine and decide to do a PhD after, I'm thinking of applying to the programs at Ohio State, SUNY Albany, Syracuse, and WashU. If I absolutely fall in love with Maine I may take a crack at applying to their Interdisciplinary PhD program (English and Communication).

What's a good source for info on English PhD's, as far as concentratiions, course breakdowns and whatnot? I'm noticing that many of the schools I look at have very little in the way of specific info about the PhD (as compared to, say, the Master's or MFA, which usually includes a detailed breakdown).

Quite simply, there are n't any. Nothing comprehensive, at least. I basically started with the U.S. News rankings (even though they're not a great representation), and went through school-by-school to see their faculty interests, the thrust of each program, what graduate students are working on, courses offered, and all the other pertinent aspects. In other words, it's a lot of personal research, which is where places like Grad Cafe come in (i.e. if you start a thread about a specific interest, you'll be sure to get a few responses about possible programs).

NRC rankings are a good source as well, though they're a little tricky to follow and need to be updated (2010). Look at what scholars you're reading and where they're teaching currently. You essentially have to go program by program, looking at faculty, their listed interests - which, might I add, aren't reliable as websites aren't updated typically by faculty and as a result can be outdated - their CV if you can find it to see what they've recently published. Take notes! It's a giant time suck, but necessary.

As for the language requirement, it's just a necessary evil. We cannot assume all scholarship being done in our field is written in English, or that it's even being translated into English shortly after its production. And would you rely on Google Translate for a three sentences, let alone an entire article? This is where carefully selecting languages is important - don't pick Polish or Russian if more people are discussing relevant topics in French or German. The amount of time departments expect you to invest in this is not huge. See if you're allowed to audit an upper-level undergraduate course to satisfy the requirement, or if there is money for classes during the summer. The req. isn't intended as an obstacle to the degree and shouldn't be anxiety-inducing. Finally - PRACTICE. Get a *good* dictionary and start translating passages of scholarship. You'll pick up far more relevant vocabulary that way.

• unræd and Dr. Old Bill

 Finally - PRACTICE. Get a *good* dictionary and start translating passages of scholarship. You'll pick up far more relevant vocabulary that way.

This is so very true! I've been brushing up on my academic German over the summer (mostly by using past language exams from various Medieval Studies centers and hacking away at articles of interest) and it's amazing how much of the field-specific vocabulary repeats. I couldn't really talk about the weather in German, but by God if I don't have the word for "manuscript transmission" down pat.

• TonyB and mikers86

As someone who's learned three languages as an adult, I can't help but wonder why on earth a scholar and writer would want to avoid language requirements. In fact, I switched to Comparative Literature after kicking and screaming my way through an English program's language requirement. Only then did I realize how important second and third and fourth languages are. I understand that it takes a lot of time, but it will be useful in ways you probably can't imagine. Learning languages gives one a new relationship to language and culture and allows for better scholarship (i.e. access to original sources). No culture was created in a vacuum, especially not in the US! I'm an Americanist and find language acquisition crucial to this field. And, as folks have pointed out, reading knowledge is different and, arguably, easier to acquire than speaking. Plus, some programs are willing to send you overseas to do this work during the summer. Bottom line of your worst case scenario: You'd spend a year or two doing coursework and then be able to read Spanish folktales or German folktales or Native American folktales! How awesome is that? I'd urge everyone to reconsider the language requirements as a good opportunity to be paid to do something you might not be able to do at any other point in your life. 

• ἠφανισμένος , unræd , ProfLorax and 2 others

While languages aren't everybody's boat and the necessities do vary by discipline, I think this advice--approaching the req with a spirit of "well, this will make me a better scholar!"--is salutary, given both the amount of criticism and theory that appears in other languages as well as the ability to make sharper arguments about the technical features of English texts that comes with experience in another language.

Obviously I'm a bit biased, since one of the reasons my subfield is my subfield is the strong linguistic emphasis--in part because I think languages are just plain  fun . (I found out yesterday that I may need to add a paragraph to my writing sample discussing a bit of Old Saxon, and I've been giddy ever since.) I know it's ridiculously excoticizing/xenophilic of me, but I think there's something so, so enjoyable about being able to pick up a piece of Old English, say, and just read it.  

While my perspective on learning languages has changed a bit in the last few years (i.e., I have far less of an issue with it if it's an applied language that you will be actively using), and while I completely appreciate and understand the graduate school desire for their students to have two foreign languages, for some people learning a language is just as difficult as learning calculus or advanced algebra. I made it through four semesters of Spanish with all As, and can probably claim to have a reading knowledge of the language, but part of me can't help but think that I was lucky to get those As, and I probably relied on Spanish dictionaries a bit too much when I was writing my papers.

My point is that languages come more easily to some people than they do to others. I'm certainly not dreading learning another language or two, but I can't claim to be looking forward to it either, even though those languages will be applied this time around.

I had to pass a language requirement for my MA program and there were a few ways in which the requirement could be met. I decided to take Old English (which is really freaking cool btw) and French. Anyone know offhand if any PhD programs would be willing to waive one of the language requirements, considering I already met one for my MA? I didn't consider this as a possibility until I came across this thread, so I'm just curious if anyone has had any experience with a similar situation.

I suspect , though can't claim to know definitively, that some programs will waive it if you can demonstrate proficiency in some way. For instance, if you have a short essay in Old English, you could probably have your eventual advisor or the DGS have someone in the department read it and say "Oh yeah, she knows her gryffuld from her groyfeld" (I don't know Old English, so I'm improvising). I didn't jot the names of the institutions down, but I have definitely seen more than one program say something along the lines of "will consider previous coursework" in the fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. And the worst case scenario, in most programs, is that you'd have to take a translation exam, which you would probably do quite well at, given that most let you use a dictionary anyhow. So yes, at this point I would say that you would only need to worry about learning ONE more language, and for some programs, you won't even need to do that .

You should also know that almost all programs (at least I've never heard of one where this was not true) will allow you to take your language classes pass/fail, so you don't need to worry about the grade. 

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The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is the online branch of the Touro College and University System. Altogether, Touro schools include around 19,000 students and more than 95,000 alumni. Founded on Jewish principles and traditions, the group’s roots date back to 1970.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Human & Organizational Psychology

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Hartford

With over 6,500 enrolled students, the University of Hartford issues more than 1,500 diplomas each year. The student body is made up of people from nearly every state and over 40 different countries. Creativity, diversity, responsibility and integrity are some of the highest values of this school, which was founded in 1957.

University of Hartford is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

The Baptist roots of the University of the Cumberlands date back to 1888. The university reaches over 10,000 learners each year and has a 17:1 ratio of students to faculty. Hands-on learning is highly valued at this school, and all students engage in service opportunities while attaining their degrees.

University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees. The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Kentucky University

U.S. News has ranked Western Kentucky University No. 24 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 34 in Best Regional Universities South. Both Sierra Club and Princeton Review have applauded this university for its environmental efforts. The school has over 20,000 students, and the average class has around 24 students in it.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

List of Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer waivers for qualified students.

Baylor University

Baylor University holds fast to its Baptist roots while welcoming a diverse student body from many religious and geographic backgrounds. Founded in 1845, the school is committed to serious scholarship, community service, and the integration of faith and life. Baylor has over 17,000 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

• Online Doctorate of Education

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

City University of Seattle

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado State University

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University has awarded over 230,000 degrees. The school was involved in the establishment of the Peace Corps, and still today, many students choose to spend time serving through this organization. In addition to global service and responsibility, CSU values innovation, respect, diversity and academic excellence.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition.

Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

This is an online doctorate in education no GRE required.

• Online Doctor of Education

Concordia University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Creighton University

Considered U.S. News ’ No. 1 school in the Regional Universities Midwest category and the Best Colleges for Veterans category, Creighton University educates nearly 9,000 students yearly.

The school was founded in 1878 by Jesuit Catholics and many members of the Jesuit tradition still work at Creighton. Within six months of degree completion, 99 percent of graduates are successful at landing a job or a satisfactory next step.

Creighton University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University today educates more than 14,500 students each year. The university values respect, diversity and academic excellence, and well-rounded student experiences are essential to an ETSU education. There are over 100 degree programs at this school, and the student-faculty ratio is approximately 16:1.

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers over 300 degree programs, and the Carnegie Commission has bestowed on this school the distinction of Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity. With over 41,000 members, the student body includes people from more than 130 countries around the world. Six Nobel Laureates have taught at this university.

Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Johns Hopkins University

Since its beginnings 1876, Johns Hopkins has highly prized both teaching and research, and the school considers itself the first research university in the United States. Although particularly well-known for its School of Medicine, this university also awards degrees in public health, education, physics, business and other disciplines.

The programs listed above are online EdD programs no GRE required.

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lamar University

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University has about 15,000 enrolled students and over 75,000 alumni. Approximately 30 percent of the university’s classes are taught online. The school was founded in 1923 and today employs over 1,200 people and offers more than 100 degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans. Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Maryville University

Over 9,000 students take classes from Maryville University each year. The school has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and about 90 percent of the faculty members have received doctoral degrees. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville was one of the top three fastest-growing universities in the United States.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to providing flexible, quality education to help students meet their educational and career goals. NU’s programs are taught by 100% doctoral professors.

National University has over 30,000 students enrolled and more that 220,000 alumni from around the world.

National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Northwest Nazarene University

Although Northwest Nazarene University began as an elementary school in 1913, the school quickly expanded its educational offerings and awarded its first college degrees in 1917. Today, more than 8,000 students take NNU classes each year. Although the Church of the Nazarene sponsors the school, students come from a diverse mix of religious backgrounds.

Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Oakland City University

U.S. News ranked Oakland City University at No. 7 on its list of Best Colleges for Veterans. The publication also grants it the No. 39 spot on its Regional Colleges Midwest list. Affiliated with the General Association of General Baptists, the college pursues both academic and spiritual development for students.

Oakland City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University

Famous alumni of Saint Leo University include Desi Arnaz and Stephen Stills. U.S. News gives this university the No. 14 spot on its list of Best Value Schools. Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is rooted in the Benedictine Catholic tradition and values excellence in academics, relationships, personal growth and integrity.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Samford University

According to U.S. News , Samford wins the No. 4 spot on the list of Regional Universities South. This school has graduated 8 state governors, 60 members of Congress and a number of other high-profile citizens. The university has been educating students since 1841 and currently enrolls over 5,500 learners each year and has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1.

Samford is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas A&M University

In 1876, Texas A&M University became the first public college in Texas. Over 70,000 students currently study with Texas A&M, which offers over 400 degree programs. The school values leadership in both its staff and its students and seeks to develop strong leaders who will make a difference in their communities.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

Texas Tech University

According to the Center for Measuring University Performance, Texas Tech University ranked in the top 50 public research schools in the United States. There are more than 38,000 students currently taking Texas Tech classes and over 1,700 faculty members. More than 8,000 students graduated from this university in 2018.

Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Trident University

Ranked No. 19 on the list of Best Colleges by The Military Times, Trident University has been the school of choice for over 27,000 students. The university’s goals for students include strong critical thinking skills, an understanding of how to gather and use information, the ability to communicate clearly, and a commitment to integrity.

Trident University accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Union University

At Union University, there’s a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for the more than 3,000 learners who study there. 85 percent of the faculty members hold terminal degrees. In the past year, Christian Universities Online gave this university the top spot on its Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South list.

• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in School Reform

Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Arkansas

The Carnegie Foundation recognizes the University of Arkansas as one of the country’s top research universities, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has commended the school for having one of the country’s fastest-growing doctoral programs. With over 27,000 students and over 1,401 faculty members, there’s a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1924.

University of Findlay

Since 1882, the University of Findlay has been equipping students with academic knowledge and spiritual development. Hands-on experiences help students put their classroom learning into practice throughout their schooling. The university has ties to the Church of God, and College Factual has named it the denomination’s best school.

University of Kentucky

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky maintains a commitment to producing graduates who influence communities throughout the world. The school has more than 2,000 faculty members and over 29,000 students. Forbes has placed this university at No. 63 on its list of the best colleges in the southern United States.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Massachusetts

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research, and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of New England

The University of New England, founded in 1939, has campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine and Tangier, Morocco. It’s a relatively small university, with a total of approximately 7,000 students, less than a third of which are doctoral students.

The EdD at UNE is a 51-credit course of study that can be completed entirely online and requires no GRE scores for acceptance. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer and finish within 3 years.

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Southern California

U.S. News gives the University of Southern California the No. 22 ranking on its list of National Universities. Over 47,000 students are enrolled at this college, and there are more than 4,000 faculty members. The school grants about 10,000 advanced degrees each year.

The University of Southern California isy accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

William Carey University

True to its Baptist heritage, William Carey University’s goal is to prepare students for professional work that is guided by faith-based principles. In the early 1900s, it was a college for women only, but coed instruction began in 1954. U.S. News has given William Carey the No. 3 spot on its list of Best Value Schools.

William Carey University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

List of Online DBA Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer a GRE waiver for qualified students.

Baker College

Desiring to turn out leaders who excel in their fields, Baker College encourages critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth and hands-on experiences throughout all of its academic programs. The school traces its history back to 1888, and its Center for Graduate Studies awarded its first doctoral degree in 2011.

Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

• Online DBA in Accounting
• Online DBA in Global System and Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA in Human Resource Management
• Online DBA in Information Technology Management
• Online DBA in Intelligence
• Online DBA in Leadership
• Online DBA in Project Management
• Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation

Concordia University – Chicago

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition. Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

• Online Executive DBA

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida International University

FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online DBA – Management

Johnson & Wales University

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans.

Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

University of Dallas

UD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Maryland

UM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Phoenix

UOPX is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

List of Online Doctor of Social Work Programs No GRE

• Online Doctor of Social Work

Kutztown University

Kutztown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Millersville University

Millersville is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Southern Connecticut State University

SouthernCT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Tulane University

Tulane is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Alabama

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Pennsylvania

• Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Penn is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of St. Thomas

St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

List of Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Arkansas State University

• Online of Nursing Practice

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Barry University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesiology

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

DePaul University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

DePaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Duke University

Duke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Duquesne University

Duquesne is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia College

GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University

Indiana State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

New Mexico State University

NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma City University

OKCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pace University

Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

PBA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Penn State University

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Wesleyan University

• Online Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Texas Wesleyan is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Arizona

UA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of California – Irvine

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner

UCI is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Central Arkansas

UCA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Iowa

UI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Massachusetts – Boston

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Minnesota

UMN is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of South Alabama

South is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Texas

UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

List of Online PhD Without GRE Requirements

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals.

Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella offers an Online PhD no GRE.

• Online PhD in Business Management
• Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Johnson University

• Online PhD in Leadership Studies

JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Nova Southeastern University

PhD programs no GRE required.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
• Online PhD in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Health Science
• Online PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education
• Online PhD in Occupational Therapy

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas Woman’s University

Online PhD programs no gre requirement.

• Online PhD in Nursing Science

TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Information Technology

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

This is a PhD no GRE required program.

• Online PhD in Nursing

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees.

The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

• Online PhD in Management
• Online PhD in Public Health
• Online PhD in Social Work

PhD Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

The following doctoral programs do not require the GRE for admission:

• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Theology & Ministry

A growing number of universities offering PhD programs or professional doctorates no longer require the GRE.

Doctor of Business Administration – DBA or PhD

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an applied doctorate or a professional doctorate.

Many students enroll in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program because they are entrepreneurs, potential business owners, or current managers who want to move into executive leadership .

You will learn about business practices, economics, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, management, and many other important topics within specialized business tracks. For example, you may choose a track in finance or marketing to complete your DBA studies .

With a PhD in Business Administration , students learn about a specific focus within business, choosing a specialized track within business to focus on while they study. They may develop new theories in public administration, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, or other aspect. Most students go on to become professors, researchers, or business analysts.

With the PhD in Business , a dissertation may be required, but there are a growing number of doctorate degrees with no dissertation requirements.

Doctor of Computer Science – DCS

A Doctor of Computer Science program teaches students about data analytics, computer networking, programming, enterprise information systems, and information technology topics. Most programs can be customized so that you pick the track that most relates to your field of interest.

If you have strong science skills, you may want to pursue this applied doctorate in computer science that provides a scientific foundation for understanding technology.

Since many different industries rely on technology and computer science, graduates may find work in a wide variety of fields.

Criminal Justice Doctorate – PhD

Earning a PhD in Criminal Justice teaches students about law enforcement, laws, ethics, community leadership, and cyber security at the local, state, and federal level.

You will learn about improving safety through justice, as well as criminal investigation tactics through PhD criminal justice degree programs.

Doctor of Education – EdD or PhD

Want to become a thought leader in the field of education?

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is an applied doctorate for those who work in the education field. Many graduates work in schools, but others serve in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and more.

A Doctor of Education is an interdisciplinary program that helps graduates learn about applied theories when it comes to teaching different subjects and helping students learn. You may want to specialize in different education topics to take your career to the next level, such as educational leadership , early childhood development, or special education.

If you are currently teaching in a K-12 school, an EdD may broaden your career options. Potential uses of this degree would be teaching at the university level or entering school administration.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration – PhD or DBA

For those who want to work in a leadership position in a healthcare organization , a doctoral program in healthcare administration or management can be a good choice.

This degree program is suited toward those who want to make business decisions for a hospital rather than practicing medicine. Graduates of these programs often work as hospital CEOs or Chief Financial Officers.

PhD in Human Services

Working in social services can be a rewarding career, especially if you want to be a community leader.

Earning a PhD in Human Services offers students the opportunity to work in criminal justice, education, social work , community leadership, and housing, among others with the goal of helping families and individuals in local and global communities.

Doctor of Information Technology – DIT, DBA, or PhD

The workforce is becoming increasingly dependent on technology, and obtaining a doctorate in information technology will help you stay up on the latest developments in this area. You will explore ways that information technology can benefit society.

This degree can also be quite useful in business settings. Graduates may lead IT departments or serve as tech consultants.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP or PhD

Many people holding this degree serve as nurses in medical settings. It’s worth noting that the education provided in this type of program is quite different from the doctorate-level training that physicians receive.

Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a PhD in Nursing will not qualify you to work as a physician. Graduating with a doctorate in Nursing is one way to achieve the highest level of nursing education and certification.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – DOT or PhD

To take the test for licensure as an occupational therapist, you must earn either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in this field.

A doctoral-level education may provide a greater variety of career or leadership options than a master’s-level education in occupational therapy.

An entry-level DOT program is designed to help you enter the occupational therapy field for the first time.

PhD in Psychology

Graduates with a PhD in psychology typically go on to own their own clinical counseling practices, helping others to work through mental illness, difficult traumatic experiences, and early childhood development problems.

Graduates may wish to attain a license to practice psychology, or they may pursue careers in sociology, education, and social work.

This degree program is often recommended for people who want to work directly with clients. It can be useful in a clinic, hospital or school setting, and it may be an essential step toward getting licensed in your state .

If you haven’t already completed a psychology graduate program , you can also earn your master’s in psychology online (no GRE required) .

Doctor of Public Administration – DPA

This professional doctorate equips you to serve in careers related to public affairs .

When you graduate with a doctorate in public administration, you may work in government settings or organizational leadership positions with non-profit entities.

The degree may be helpful for working in public administration , policy analysis, federal jobs, or as a local government leader.

Doctor of Public Health – DPH or PhD

Like a PhD in Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Public Health degree is an applied doctorate for students with a desire to work in the healthcare sector. You may want to choose this particular option if your career plans involve crafting healthcare policies or working as an administrator.

The goal of this doctorate is often to help improve health at a large-scale level: for whole populations rather than individual people.

You may also be interested in a no-GRE online MPH .

PhD in Public Policy

Earning a PhD in Public Policy helps students move into careers at a high level within government agencies, business, political roles, and community leadership.

Whether you want to become a social work leader or you have international leadership in mind, you can customize a public policy program to suit your career interests.

Doctoral Programs in Ministry or Theology

A Doctor of Ministry or Theology program helps students learn advanced principles of ministry, theology, and leadership within the Church.

Most students are able to study on an independent project that is approved by their school.

Graduates go on to become professors, ministry leaders, and higher officials within the Church.

What are GRE Waivers?

Minimum undergraduate gpa.

Some universities allow GRE exemptions for students who demonstrated academic competency during their undergrad years. These schools may set a minimum GPA that students must have achieved during their earlier education to be considered for this type of academic waiver.

GPA requirements may vary among a school’s many programs. Waivers may be subject to approval on an individual basis.

Previously Earned Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate preparation for higher education. However, if you’ve already earned an advanced degree, the school’s admission department may consider that sufficient proof that you can handle the rigors of their PhD program.

For this waiver, some schools may require not only that you have an advanced degree but also that you achieved a particular GPA.

Professional Experience

Because extended employment in a field may demonstrate competency, some schools consider work experience in their area of focus just as valuable as high scores on the GRE.

If you have several years of relevant work experience, that may earn you a GRE waiver. Some schools specifically include relevant military service in their rules about qualifying for waivers.

Some Programs Have No GRE Requirement

If the program for which you are applying has no GRE requirement, then you won’t need a waiver. The school isn’t looking for test scores, so you won’t need to furnish them.

Just be sure to read all admission requirements closely. Some schools require GRE scores for only a few of their doctoral programs.

GMAT or GRE?

The GMAT, also known as the Graduate Management Admissions Test, is similar to the GRE but it has a more specific focus. The GMAT is an exam designed expressly for those entering business school.

Some business schools do accept GRE scores. However, if you are applying only to business programs, you should opt for the GMAT.

If GRE Scores are Optional, Should I Send Them?

To some faculty, GRE scores carry a lot of weight. Therefore, high marks on this test may elevate you in their eyes. In other words, even if the GRE is optional, furnishing a good score may be beneficial.

On the other hand, low scores may have the opposite effect. When the GRE is optional, rather than required, it may be best to keep your low marks under wraps so that your other merits take center stage.

If you’ve never taken the GRE, is it worth it to try, just so you can submit your results to a GRE-optional program? There’s no cut-and-dry answer to that question, but current program participants may be able to lend insight.

Should I Apply to PhD Without GRE Programs?

Your decision to apply to a PhD program should have nothing to do with whether or not they require the GRE. The main consideration should be the university’s accreditation.

Here are a few points to consider…

GRE is a Poor Predictor of Performance in Graduate School

If a doctoral program doesn’t require GRE scores, it’s an indication that the school understands the limitations of this exam.

The GRE won’t provide clear evidence about whether you will succeed in the classroom, get good grades, make it to graduation or be a leader in your professional field someday.

Accredited Universities Offer No GRE PhD Programs

Not having GRE requirements is not a sign that a program will be weak or substandard. Many respected, accredited programs don’t require that you take this test before you can be admitted.

Instead of using GRE requirements to evaluate a school’s strength, consider whether the program has received accreditation. Also, gather reviews from current or recent students, and get advice from the school’s graduate coordinator.

You Still Have to Meet Other Admissions Standards

All PhD programs are selective about their candidates. So, whether or not they require that you submit GRE scores, they all have admissions requirements that you must meet in order to get into the school.

Other factors considered for acceptance may include:

• Your resume
• Letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
• Your transcripts from other higher education endeavors.
• A statement from you about your goals
• Your proficiency in the English language

Your Master’s Degree Might Be Enough

If you’ve already completed a master’s program , that shows that you’re able to perform at the graduate level.

Therefore, your school of choice may not require GRE scores as additional proof, especially if your degree is paired with a master’s thesis, a high GPA or years of professional experience.

GRE Scores: What They Tell Us, What They Don’t

GRE scores are not as helpful as you may have been led to believe. Let’s take a look at some recent studies on the reliability of GRE results.

GRE Scores Do Not Predict Classroom Performance

Creativity, interpersonal skills and internal motivation are just a few of the components that contribute to how well you do in the classroom.

However, the GRE measures none of those. It focuses only on your test-taking skills.

So, doing well on the test doesn’t guarantee classroom success.

GRE Scores Lose Impact over Time

Researchers have discovered that your scores on this test may give a school an idea of what kinds of grades you’ll achieve during the first year in their program.

However, your scores do nothing to predict your academic success after that first year.

The GRE Lacks Reliability in Predicting Final Outcomes

The GRE can’t determine whether a first-year doctoral student will end up completing the program.

Some high-scoring students may not possess enough tenacity to stick with school until graduation. On the other hand, some low-scoring students may have been the ones most likely to persevere.

Applying to Graduate School with No GRE Test Scores

There are some things that you should consider before specifically seeking out a no GRE required doctoral program:

• While some high-profile schools may admit you without this test, not taking the GRE will automatically close many prestigious schools to you.
• Some fields are more likely to require the test than others.
• Sometimes, it’s easier to find a no-GRE-required online program than an in-person one.

Consider your motivation for not submitting scores:

• Because you’ve already settled on a program that doesn’t require this test? Great!
• Because you’re too busy to study? Think hard about whether you have time for a doctoral program.
• Because you received a low score? According to an ETS survey, nearly 25 percent of test-takers improve their results second time around.

If one of your primary concerns is the amount of time required , you may be interested in our article discussing accelerated PhD programs online .

What is the GRE, and Who Needs to Take It?

The GRE is a test designed to show that you learned enough during your undergrad years to be ready for the rigors of grad school. The exam includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You may need to take it if you’re applying to graduate programs.

Is the GRE Test Required for Graduate School?

No, not always. There are some graduate schools that don’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Some offer alternative options, and others simply have no GRE (or other entrance exam) requirements. Some schools require that you submit exam scores for only some of their graduate programs.

Is the GRE Required for PhD Programs?

Many doctoral programs require applicants to take the GRE, but not all do. Others allow waivers or base their admissions decisions solely on other criteria. In particular, some of the best-ranked online PhD programs may allow you to enroll even if you’ve never taken the GRE.

What’s the Difference Between GRE vs. GMAT?

While the GRE is used for a variety of different graduate programs, the GMAT is designed specifically for admission to business schools. However, some business schools accept GRE scores as well. Even still, those who have their hearts set on business school would do best to take the GMAT.

Is There Any Reason to Take the GRE for a PhD Program?

If your top school choice requires GRE scores, then you should take the test. Also, if you are planning to apply to quite a few programs, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need to submit test scores with some of those applications.

What is a GRE Waiver?

Some schools require GRE scores for admission to their doctoral programs, but they will make an exception if you meet other qualifications.

These qualifications may include:

• High GPA scores during undergraduate studies
• Relevant work or military experience
• Related master’s degree

Which PhD Programs May Waive the GRE?

Online doctoral programs across a variety of fields may admit students without requiring GRE scores. Commonly, this may include programs related to education, healthcare, human services and technology, and you may have options for PhD or applied doctoral degrees.

Despite the name, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is not limited to the study of philosophy. You can earn a doctor of philosophy degree in many areas, including science, the humanities or education. Your coursework will involve completing a dissertation.

A PhD program is often recommended for students interested in pursuing research or teaching.

Can You Get Into a PhD Program Without GRE Scores?

There are quite a few universities that no longer require the GRE as part of the admissions process. Some don’t require it at all, while others offer GRE waivers if you have a decent GPA, previous graduate-level courses, and similar criteria.

Some PhD Programs Have No GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examinations have come to be recognized as synonymous with grad school acceptance. Despite that, there are many schools that will admit you to their doctoral programs even if you’ve never taken this test. In fact, the number of PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores is growing.

In particular, online PhD programs often base their admissions decisions on factors other than exam scores.

Therefore, you may want to start your school-selection process by identifying programs that do not include GRE scores as one of their admissions factors.

Some PhD Programs Offer GRE Waivers

High marks from your last educational endeavor — your master’s degree, for example — may be enough to get you into a PhD program without needing to provide GRE scores.

If you already have work history in your intended field of study, this may also serve as sufficient proof of your competency for the school’s PhD program.

Waiver requirements can vary between schools and may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

List of Doctoral Programs without the GRE

The following doctorate programs do not require the GRE at some universities.

• Doctor of Psychology
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Social Work
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Philosophy

To provide a more comprehensive list, we’ve also included universities that offer GRE waivers.

Key Takeaways

You may be able to get a PhD or a professional doctorate without ever taking the GRE.

Options include:

• Choosing a program with no GRE requirements
• Qualifying for a waiver

Skipping GRE test prep may allow you to speed up the process of beginning a fulfilling and challenging doctoral education .

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

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Graduate School

Ph.d. requirements.

• Academics & Research
• Programs & Requirements

Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

• Guidance for International Students
• PhD/Master's Application Process

If you are an international applicant to a PhD or Master's degree program, you have the same general requirements as all other applicants.

Note: Applicants to a non-degree program, including Exchange Scholars , Visiting Assistants in Research , and Visiting Students , should visit the relevant page for information about admission to those programs.

Bachelor's Degree or International Equivalent

All entering students must have earned a bachelor's degree or its international equivalent prior to enrolling at the Graduate School. You may submit an application before receiving your degree, or while your degree is still in progress, as long as the degree will be completed prior to matriculation.

Some countries grant an undergraduate or bachelor's-equivalent degree in three years. In such cases, completion of a three-year degree will meet the application requirement.

English Language Testing (TOEFL/IELTS)

TOEFL or IELTS is required of almost all applicants whose native language is not English.

If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. You must have studied in residence at the undergraduate institution for at least three years to qualify. No exemptions are made on the basis of an advanced degree (e.g., MA/MS or PhD) from any institution. For more information, please see Standardized Test Requirements .

Although the Graduate School does not have test minimums for admission, individual departments may have a minimum requirement and will use these scores when they review your application. Please check with the department or program to which you are applying to see if it has a minimum requirement. The Graduate School requires incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL Speaking section or a 7.5 or below on the IELTS Speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.

Entry Term/Intake

All PhD and Master's students begin their studies at Yale in the fall term. No spring term entry is permitted. Application for admission to any of the Graduate School's programs begins in the summer or fall of the academic year prior to the one in which you propose to matriculate. Please submit your application by the program deadline .

Visa Questions and Processing

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) serves as the immigration adviser for all entering international students and their accompanying family members. Beginning in March, OISS will contact you with the necessary visa and immigration information if you have accepted Yale's offer of admission.

GPA and GPA Conversion

You may self-report a GPA and GPA scale in the “Academic History” section of the application. Please do not convert or recalculate your GPA. If your college or university does not report or compute a GPA, you should omit it.

Translations

All academic records and letters of recommendation uploaded to your application must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Fee Waivers

International students are eligible to request a fee waiver .

• Admissions Requirements

In This Section

• How to Apply

There are a few things you will need to know ahead of applying to the Public Policy (PPOL) PhD Program.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply to the PPOL PhD Program if you have earned a bachelor’s degree; a master's degree is not required. You apply to and are admitted to one of four tracks ( Economics ; Judgment and Decision Making ; Politics and Institutions ; and Science, Technology and Policy Studies ). You may not change tracks prior to matriculation.

Requests to Change Tracks

If you are admitted to the PPOL PhD Program, you will matriculate into one of the four tracks. Ordinarily, you cannot change to a different track from the one to which you were admitted. In rare and exceptional circumstances, you can apply to change tracks by submitting a request to the PhD Program Chair, stating the reason for the proposed change, your background and qualifications for the proposed track, and how changing tracks may affect the time to completion of the PhD degree. The PhD Program Chair may request additional information, if necessary.

The PhD Program Chair will send the application and supporting documents (including your original application) to the Admissions subcommittee for the proposed track. The subcommittee will review the file and proposal, comparing the application for the proposed track with those of candidates who were admitted to the track. The subcommittee will then make a recommendation to the PhD Program Chair, who will make the final decision on the proposal.  

Test Scores

Graduate record examinations (gre).

Official GRE scores are required and test scores must be issued within the past five years, no earlier than September 1, 2017. There is no minimum GRE score requirement. We do not accept the GMAT or LSAT. Plan to take the GRE by mid-November at the latest if you are submitting your application in December, and send your GRE scores to the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) Office of Admissions , using ETS code 3451. A department code is not required.

TOEFL IBT and IELTS

You must submit your TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) or IELTS scores with your application if you are an international applicant and:

• Have an equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English
• Have a master’s degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction

A minimum TOEFL score of 103 OR a minimum IELTS score of 7 is required. Official test scores must be issued within the past two years, no earlier than September 1, 2020. Plan to take the English proficiency tests by mid-November at the latest if you are submitting your application in December. Send your scores to the  Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions  and use ETS code 3451. A department code is not required.  

Prerequisites and In-Residence Requirements

We want you to be prepared for the PPOL PhD Program. Each of the four tracks have specific admission prerequisites; familiarize yourself with them:

• Judgment and Decision Making
• Politics and Institutions
• Science, Technology and Policy Studies

As a PPOL student, you must be in residence at Harvard for at least three years. Deferrals are made on a case-by-case basis.  

Application

To be considered for the program, you must submit to the  Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions  by the indicated deadline:

• The Harvard Griffin GSAS online application and application fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts for all colleges or universities attended
• Valid GRE general test scores
• Internet-based TOEFL or IELTS scores (for those for whom English is not their first language)
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample of no more than 20 pages, which must be single-authored and written in English

Complete applications must be submitted online by December 1. Decisions are announced in late February. Admission is for the fall term only. The program does not have a terminal master’s degree.

HKS Master's Graduates

Graduates of HKS master’s degree programs who apply and are accepted to the PPOL PhD Program within three years of graduation may petition for credit for doctoral-level courses they took as a master’s degree candidate. If three or more years have passed, applicants will need to meet all track requirements.

Doctoral Programs

Funding your doctoral education, faculty & research.

Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

Pursuing a PhD in the United States can be a life-changing experience for international students looking to enhance their academic qualifications, advance their careers, and expand their horizons. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to understand the requirements and expectations of the US doctoral education system.

In this article, we'll delve into the essential PhD requirements in the USA for international students, covering academic qualifications, English language proficiency, standardised tests, funding, and visa procedures.

Table of Contents

Academic qualifications, english language proficiency, standardised tests, visa procedures, frequently asked questions.

Academic qualifications are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

The specific academic qualifications required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, while others may accept students with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some programs may also require a master's degree, while others may allow students to earn a master's degree as part of the PhD program.

In addition to the degree requirements, international students may be required to provide official transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended, as well as a course-by-course evaluation of their academic credentials from a recognised credential evaluation service.

It is also important for international students to have relevant coursework and research experience in their field of study. PhD programs in the USA typically require students to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Therefore, having a strong academic background and relevant research experience can increase a student's chances of being admitted to a PhD program.

International students should carefully review the academic qualifications required for each program they are interested in and ensure that they meet the requirements. If their qualifications do not meet the requirements, they may need to take additional coursework or earn a higher degree before applying to PhD programs.

Also read: Ultimate guide PhD in the UK

English language proficiency is also one of the essential PhD requirements in USA for international students. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to succeed in academic and professional settings in the US.

Most universities require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking an English language proficiency exam. The most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL, IELTS.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required, but some programs may require higher scores.

In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS, some universities may accept other English language proficiency exams, such as the PTE Academic or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam.

Also read: PhD Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Standardised tests are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Standardised tests are used to assess an applicant's academic abilities and potential for success in a PhD program. The most commonly required standardised tests for PhD programs in the USA include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

The GRE is a standardised test that assesses a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

The GMAT is a standardised test that assesses a student's analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in business and management.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score in the 50th percentile or higher is required for the GRE, while a minimum score of 600 or higher is required for the GMAT.

The specific standardised tests required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT, while others may require a different test, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for programs in the health sciences.

Funding can be a critical consideration for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. Pursuing a PhD in the USA can be quite expensive, with tuition and living expenses often exceeding $50,000 per year. While federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are a variety of funding options that may be available to help cover the cost of tuition, living expenses , and research-related expenses.

One common source of funding for PhD students is through teaching or research assistantships. These positions typically provide a stipend or salary in exchange for work done in support of the department or faculty member providing the funding. Assistantship opportunities can be competitive, but they can provide valuable experience and financial support for students throughout their program.

Scholarships and fellowships can also be a valuable source of funding for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. These awards may be offered by the university, private foundations, or other organisations, and can cover some or all of the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students may also be eligible for funding from their home country or through external sources such as grants or fellowships. It's important for students to research these opportunities and understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

Finally, some students may choose to fund their PhD program through personal savings or by taking out student loans. While these options can provide flexibility in terms of funding, it's important for students to carefully consider the long-term financial implications of taking on debt to fund their education.

Also read: PhD in USA without GRE

The visa application process is an important step for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. International students who are accepted into a PhD program in the USA will typically need to obtain an F-1 student visa.

To begin the visa application process, students will need to provide proof of acceptance into a program, typically in the form of an acceptance letter from the university. In addition, students will need to demonstrate proof of financial support to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses in the USA. This can be done by providing bank statements or other documentation showing that the student or their sponsor has sufficient funds to cover these costs.

Once the initial documentation has been submitted, students will need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. During the appointment, students will need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints) and participate in an interview with a consular officer. The interview is an important part of the visa application process and can be a deciding factor in whether the student is approved for the visa.

It's important for international students to begin the visa application process well in advance of the start of their PhD program, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete all of the necessary steps. Students should also consult with the international student office at their university for guidance and support throughout the process.

Also read: PhD in abroad with scholarships (for Indian students)

Pursuing a PhD in the USA as an international student can be a challenging and rewarding experience. While the requirements for admission can be rigorous, they are designed to ensure that students have the academic qualifications, language proficiency, and aptitude needed to succeed in a doctoral program. With careful planning and research, international students can find funding opportunities and navigate the visa application process to achieve their academic and professional goals.

What is the typical academic qualification required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

International students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

Do international students need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, in many cases international students are required to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university and program.

Are there any language proficiency tests required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, international students whose native language is not English may be required to take an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA.

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• Guide to PhD Entry Requirements
• Applying to a PhD

Although undertaking a PhD can be an exciting challenge, understanding the numerous entry requirements is an important first step. These prerequisites ensure that prospective PhD students like yourself are well-prepared for the academic challenges that await. The entry requirements for STEM disciplines can differ significantly, depending on the specific program, institution, and country of study; this guide explains these requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Entry Requirements : PhD entry requirements can vary significantly based on the specific STEM programme, and the country or institution in question.
• Academic Qualifications : While a Bachelor’s degree with upper second class honours is a standard requirement, many institutions also place considerable emphasis on a Master’s degree, especially when obtained with Merit or Distinction.
• English Language Proficiency : For non-native speakers, English language qualifications like TOEFL or IELTS scores are crucial. Some institutions offer pre-sessional English programmes for students marginally missing the mark.
• Professional Experience : Non-traditional candidates can often offset their academic qualifications with significant professional experience relevant to the proposed research.
• Visa and Residency : International students must ensure they meet residency requirements, often needing a specific student visa like the Student Route visa in the UK.
• Financial Considerations : Prospective students should be aware of tuition fees and explore potential external funding options to support their PhD journey.
• Holistic Application Process : Apart from academic qualifications, the application process evaluates research proposals, references, and personal statements to gauge a candidate’s potential for research and contributions to academia.

Standard UK PhD Requirements

For doctoral candidates interested in institutions in the United Kingdom, several standard requirements must be met:

• Bachelors Degree : A minimum of an upper second class honours (2.1) is typically required. It indicates not just academic ability, but a strong foundation in the relevant field.
• Masters Degree : While some STEM fields may accept candidates solely based on their undergraduate performance, many institutions highly value a Masters degree. Notably, achieving a grade of Merit or Distinction can significantly strengthen your application, especially a first class honours degree.
• Relevance in Study : A degree in a field relevant to the chosen PhD program is crucial. This ensures that the student has the foundational knowledge vital for doctoral-level research.

International Degree Equivalents

While the UK has specific grading systems and qualification standards, international students with degrees from overseas institutions shouldn’t feel discouraged. Many UK universities and academic departments accept international qualifications that are deemed equivalent:

• Degree Grades : Depending on the country, a degree with grades like ‘Distinction’ or ‘Honours’ might parallel the UK’s 2.1 or First Class honours.
• Evaluation Process : Institutions often utilise recognised international qualification databases or in-house experts to assess the equivalence of overseas qualifications.
• Professional Qualifications : Some candidates may not follow the traditional academic route. In such cases, substantial professional experience in a relevant discipline can potentially offset the need for conventional academic qualifications.

Vital Components for Admission

Achieving the right grades is just one part of the equation. Prospective PhD students are evaluated holistically:

• Research Proposal : This is a window into the applicant’s research aptitude. It should be robust, well-thought-out, and demonstrate a clear research area or subject area of interest.
• Interview Process : Institutions often invite promising candidates for interviews. Here, potential supervisors assess the candidate’s aptitude, enthusiasm, and suitability for PhD projects.
• References : A well-drafted reference letter or academic references from established academicians or professionals in the field can provide invaluable insights into the applicant’s capabilities.

International Students and Residency Requirements

The landscape of global academia thrives on diversity. However, international students have to navigate additional steps:

• Visa Essentials : International students in the UK, for instance, typically require a Student Route visa . The visa mandates full-time study, with confirmation of enrolment secured before the visa application.
• Financial Stability : Prospective PhD students need to demonstrate sufficient financial support, ensuring they can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs for the duration of their study.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

For international students whose first language isn’t English, proving English language ability is a cornerstone of the application process:

• Testing Platforms : Widely recognised tests such as TOEFL and IELTS are utilised to gauge English language qualifications. For most PhD programmes, IELTS 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in each section) or TOEFL scores of 95 overall (no section scoring below 21) are the benchmarks.
• Validity of Test Results : Ensure that your language test results are recent. Institutions typically require that these qualifications be less than 2 years old at the start of the program.
• Exemptions : If a candidate has previously earned a degree in a native English-speaking country, they may be exempted from taking English language tests.
• Pre-sessional English Programs : For those who narrowly miss the minimum entry requirement, many universities offer a Pre-sessional English program. Successfully completing this can pave the way for formal admission into the PhD programme as an alternative means of meeting the English language requirement.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Preliminary Studies and Assessments

Many universities introduce prospective PhD students to a preliminary phase of studies, which stands as a precursor to the main research journey. This phase often doesn’t account for the official registration duration but is essential for assessment. A notable example of such a program is the MRes Programme, offering candidates rigour training in various research methodologies; it’s an excellent bridge for those transitioning from postgraduate studies to a full-fledged research degree . Post preliminary studies, there’s typically an evaluation of the candidate’s academic ability, aptitude for research, and the feasibility of their proposed project. Only after this evaluation’s successful completion does the formal PhD period commence.

Furthermore, the value of these preliminary studies extends beyond mere assessment. They serve as an orientation, acquainting students with the research culture of the institution and fostering essential skills. Not only do these programs help in refining one’s research proposal, but they also offer the chance to build networks with potential supervisors and other researchers. This early immersion can be pivotal in shaping a productive and rewarding PhD experience.

Typical Routes and Professional Experience

In the world of academia, not all roads to a PhD are paved in conventional terms:

• Professional Experience : For those without a traditional academic trajectory, substantial professional experience in the chosen research area can significantly boost one’s application. Professional doctorate programmes often cater to such candidates.
• Research Proposal : Here, more than anywhere else, the research proposal becomes pivotal. It should demonstrate how your professional experience aligns with the proposed research area and how it equips you for the rigorous research project ahead.

Financial Considerations

While intellectual capabilities are undeniably crucial for doctoral admissions, financial considerations also hold significant importance:

• Tuition Fees : The tuition fee structure can vary significantly, especially between domestic and international student classifications. It’s crucial to understand these nuances and prepare accordingly.
• External Funding : Several external funding opportunities, ranging from scholarships to grants, are available. They can significantly alleviate the financial burden of a PhD degree.

Application Process and Final Thoughts

Successfully navigating the application process requires careful planning and a systematic approach:

• Online Application Form : This is often the first official step. Ensure that you furnish accurate details, from your academic qualifications to professional doctorate experiences (if applicable).
• Research Proposal Submission : As highlighted, this document often holds significant weight. It should lucidly outline your research project and its relevance to the broader academic community.
• Visa Requirements : For international students, the visa application is crucial. It often hinges on the offer of admission, proof of sufficient funds, and a clear criminal record.
• Personal Statement : A well-crafted personal statement can provide a personal touch, elucidating your motivation, journey, and aspirations regarding the PhD.

In the pursuit of a PhD, understanding and meeting the entry requirements is your first step. This guide hopefully clarifies these prerequisites, providing a strong foundation for prospective PhD students. Whether you’re fresh out of your undergraduate studies, have completed postgraduate research degrees, or are banking on extensive professional experience, the world of academia calls! Prepare carefully, reach out to potential supervisors, engage with the academic departments, and enjoy the process.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided clarity and direction for prospective STEM PhD candidates. Remember, each journey is unique – and while guidelines and requirements are essential, passion, determination, and genuine curiosity will remain the main factors of successful PhD students. Best of luck in your academic pursuits!

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33 European Universities without IELTS and TOEFL: Alternative Language Proficiency Options for College Admission

Table of contents, introduction.

When aspiring to study abroad , many students face the hurdle of language proficiency exams like IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) . However, there are universities around the world that offer alternative pathways for admission, bypassing the requirement of IELTS and TOEFL scores. In this article, we will explore universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements and shed light on alternative language proficiency options that can help students pursue their educational dreams.

Why Some Universities Don’t Require IELTS and TOEFL

Universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements understand that language proficiency cannot be solely determined by these exams. They recognize that students may possess adequate English skills through various means, such as prior education in English-medium institutions, immersive language experiences, or other language certifications. As a result, these universities have established alternative language proficiency options to assess the English language abilities of prospective students.

Alternative Language Proficiency Options

• English-taught Programs : Many universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements offer English-taught programs where the medium of instruction is English. In these cases, students are not required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores, as the language proficiency is implicitly assessed through the program’s language requirements and coursework.
• Language Waiver : Certain universities may grant a language waiver based on specific criteria. This could include evidence of education in English-medium institutions, completion of English language courses, or satisfactory academic performance in English-related subjects.
• English Language Certifications : Instead of IELTS or TOEFL, universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements may accept other English language certifications as proof of proficiency. These certifications include:
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) : Some universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements accept the PTE Academic exam, which measures English language skills.
• Duolingo English Test : Universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements may accept the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency exam, as an alternative language assessment.
• Interview or Writing Samples : Universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements may conduct interviews or request writing samples to evaluate a student’s English language proficiency. These assessments can provide insights into a student’s ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate their language skills beyond standardized tests.

Universities without IELTS and TOEFL Requirements

While the specific requirements may vary, here are a few universities renowned for their programs without IELTS and TOEFL prerequisites:

• University of Freiburg, Germany : The University of Freiburg may consider alternative language certifications such as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) as proof of English proficiency.
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany : The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich offers English-taught programs and assesses language proficiency through program-specific requirements, including coursework and examinations.
• Technical University of Munich, Germany : The Technical University of Munich accepts alternative language certifications such as Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE) or the TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL .
• University of Bonn, Germany : The University of Bonn may waive the requirement of IELTS and TOEFL for applicants who can provide evidence of prior education in English.
• Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany : The Humboldt University of Berlin evaluates English language skills through alternative language certificates like Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE) or the TestDaF.
• University of Oslo, Norway : The University of Oslo does not require IELTS or TOEFL for applicants who have completed their education in English or have sufficient English proficiency demonstrated through other means.
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway : The Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers English-taught programs and assesses English language proficiency through other means, such as interviews or written samples.
• University of Bergen, Norway : The University of Bergen may consider alternative language certifications or evidence of prior education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL scores.
• University of Tromsø, Norway : The University of Tromsø evaluates language proficiency through alternative means, which may include interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• Lund University, Sweden : Lund University considers applicants’ English language abilities through the completion of specific English courses or recognized language certifications, making IELTS and TOEFL scores optional.
• Stockholm University, Sweden : Stockholm University may accept alternative language certifications or evidence of education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL requirements.
• Uppsala University, Sweden : Uppsala University evaluates English language proficiency through alternative means, including language certifications like Cambridge English exams or evidence of prior education in English.
• Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden : Chalmers University of Technology offers English-taught programs and assesses language proficiency through program-specific requirements and coursework.
• Karolinska Institute, Sweden : The Karolinska Institute may consider alternative language certifications or evidence of education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL scores.
• University of Copenhagen, Denmark : The University of Copenhagen offers English-taught programs and assesses language proficiency through program-specific requirements, coursework, and interviews.
• Aarhus University, Denmark : Aarhus University may accept alternative language certifications or evidence of prior education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL scores.
• Technical University of Denmark, Denmark : The Technical University of Denmark evaluates English language skills through alternative means, such as interviews or written samples, in addition to considering other language certifications.
• Aalborg University, Denmark : Aalborg University offers English-taught programs and evaluates language proficiency through other means, including writing samples and interviews.
• Delft University of Technology, Netherlands : Delft University of Technology may consider alternative language certifications, such as Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE), or evidence of prior education in English.
• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands : The University of Amsterdam evaluates English language proficiency through alternative means, including interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• Leiden University, Netherlands : Leiden University may accept alternative language certifications or evidence of prior education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL requirements.
• Utrecht University, Netherlands : Utrecht University evaluates language proficiency through alternative means, such as interviews or written samples, in addition to considering other language certifications.
• Wageningen University, Netherlands : Wageningen University offers English-taught programs and assesses language proficiency through program-specific requirements and coursework.
• University of Helsinki, Finland : The University of Helsinki offers English-taught programs and assesses applicants’ language skills through the completion of specific courses or alternative language certifications.
• Aalto University, Finland : Aalto University may accept alternative language certifications, such as Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE), or evidence of prior education in English.
• University of Turku, Finland : The University of Turku evaluates English language proficiency through alternative means, including interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• Tampere University, Finland : Tampere University may consider alternative language certifications or evidence of prior education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL scores.
• University of Oulu, Finland : The University of Oulu evaluates language proficiency through alternative means, such as interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• KU Leuven, Belgium : KU Leuven may accept alternative language certifications, such as Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE), or evidence of prior education in English.
• Ghent University, Belgium : Ghent University evaluates English language proficiency through alternative means, such as interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• University of Antwerp, Belgium : The University of Antwerp may consider alternative language certifications or evidence of prior education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL scores.
• Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium : Université catholique de Louvain evaluates language proficiency through alternative means, such as interviews, written samples, or evidence of education in English.
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium : Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers English-taught programs and may accept alternative language certifications or evidence of education in English as substitutes for IELTS and TOEFL requirements.

Please note that the specific requirements and options may vary within each university and can change over time. It’s crucial to visit the official websites of these universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their language proficiency requirements and alternatives.

In conclusion, universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements provide alternative pathways for students to pursue their educational dreams. By recognizing that language proficiency cannot be solely determined by standardized tests, these universities offer a range of options to assess applicants’ English language abilities. From English-taught programs and language waivers to accepting alternative language certifications and evaluating through interviews or writing samples, they prioritize the diverse skills and experiences of prospective students.

These universities, found in countries like Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium, open doors to international education without the strict reliance on IELTS and TOEFL scores. Students have the opportunity to study in high-quality institutions that are globally recognized, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and alternatives may vary within each university, so it’s crucial to research and visit the official websites of the universities of interest for accurate and up-to-date information.

By exploring universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements, students can find the flexibility and inclusivity they seek in pursuing their educational goals. These universities empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, valuing their language proficiency in various forms. Remember, with determination, thorough research, and understanding of the alternative options available, you can unlock exciting opportunities for studying abroad and broadening your academic horizons.

Embrace the possibilities and embark on a transformative educational journey at universities that prioritize your potential, regardless of IELTS and TOEFL scores. Seize the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a globalized world of higher education.

FAQ – Universities without IELTS and TOEFL

Q: are there universities that don’t require ielts and toefl scores for admission.

A: Yes, there are universities around the world that offer admission without requiring IELTS and TOEFL scores. These universities have alternative language proficiency options for assessing applicants’ English language abilities.

Q: What are the alternative language proficiency options for universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements?

A: Alternative options may include English-taught programs, language waivers based on specific criteria, acceptance of other English language certifications such as Cambridge English or PTE, and evaluation through interviews or writing samples.

Q: How can I demonstrate my English proficiency if I don’t have IELTS or TOEFL scores?

A: You can demonstrate your English proficiency through various means. Some universities accept alternative certifications like Cambridge English exams (CAE/CPE), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the Duolingo English Test. Additionally, universities may consider evidence of prior education in English, completion of English language courses, or performance in interviews or writing samples.

Q: Are these universities of high quality and recognized globally?

A: You can research universities by visiting their official websites and reviewing their admission requirements. Look for information specifically related to language proficiency requirements and alternatives. Consider universities in countries such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium that are known for offering programs without IELTS and TOEFL prerequisites.

Q: Are there any specific universities mentioned in the article that don’t require IELTS and TOEFL?

A: Yes, the article provides examples of universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements, such as the University of Freiburg, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University of Bonn, Lund University, University of Oslo, Chalmers University of Technology, and many others. However, it’s important to note that admission requirements may change, so it’s recommended to verify the current language proficiency requirements directly with the universities of interest.

Q: Can I apply directly to these universities without IELTS and TOEFL scores?

A: Yes, if you meet the alternative language proficiency options offered by these universities, you can apply directly without submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores. Make sure to carefully review the specific requirements and alternative options mentioned on their official websites.

Q: Can I study in English-taught programs at these universities even if I don’t have IELTS or TOEFL scores?

A: Yes, many universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements offer English-taught programs. These programs are conducted entirely in English, and as long as you fulfill the other admission criteria or alternative language proficiency options specified by the university, you can pursue your studies in these programs.

Q: Can I still apply to universities with IELTS and TOEFL requirements even if I don’t have the scores?

A: It depends on the university’s policy. Some universities strictly require IELTS or TOEFL scores, while others may consider alternative language certifications or evidence of English proficiency. If you don’t have IELTS or TOEFL scores, it’s advisable to contact the university directly to inquire about their alternative options for demonstrating English language proficiency.

Q: How can I get more information about universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements?

A: For more information about universities without IELTS and TOEFL requirements, including specific programs and admission criteria, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the universities you are interested in. There you will find detailed information regarding their language proficiency options, program offerings, and application processes.

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries (below).  If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with international credentials, you will still be required to submit English test scores if you do not hold a degree from one of the countries on the list at the bottom of this page.

Options for providing evidence of English proficiency include:

Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL iBT) Score

• For the University of Maryland to receive your TOEFL score, please use the reporting code 5814.

Pearson  (PTE Academic) Score

• PTE test takers can send their score reports to the University of Maryland through their Pearson Account.

International English Language Testing System  (IELTS Academic) Score

• The University of Maryland downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account.  IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland College Park

The Graduate School

2123 Lee Building

College Park

Maryland, 20742

Please note: The Graduate School will not accept paper IELTS test report forms.

Currently, the Graduate School is currently accepting current/valid scores from TOEFL iBT Home Edition, the IELTS Academic Online, the IELTS Indicator (Academic), and the PTE Academic Online. We will be accepting these scores through Fall 2024.

If your TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score falls within the range for conditional enrollment,   the Graduate School may admit you with an  English language condition . If so, you will be notified of this requirement in your official admission letter issued by the Graduate School.

New iBT TOEFL requirements will take effect starting with Fall 2020 admissions (see chart below). No change will be made to the IELTS and PTE requirements. Beginning in August 2019, we will accept iBT TOEFL Superscores from ETS for purposes of meeting iBT TOEFL subscore requirements. If more than one valid IELTS or PTE score is submitted we will also consider the highest sectional scores from across all exams when determining whether requirements for full enrollment have been met. Please note that superscoring can only be done with the same types of test. For example, we will not superscore between an IELTS and a TOEFL exam. 

iBT TOEFL Requirements

Please note that if the scores fall in the range of needing one of the English courses, one of the following will apply:

Intensive English:

• Graduate students whose English test scores are in the range of Intensive English must enroll in and successfully complete the Intensive language course at the Maryland English Institute. This is usually a semester-long course.*  
• While enrolled in Intensive English, students are not permitted to undertake academic coursework.  
• *Students whose total TOEFL score is in the low 80s, or who have an IELTS score below 6.0 or a PTE score below 56, run a higher than normal risk of needing to spend more than one semester in Intensive English. There are five semester-long levels of Intensive English and the students with Intensive English placement are given a test at the beginning of the semester to determine their level. Students with these lower scores are at a higher risk of not placing into the highest level of Intensive English and thus needing more than one semester in the program, which would postpone any academic coursework for at least one academic year. 

English Bridge Program:

• Graduate students whose English test scores are in the range of the English Bridge Program must enroll in and successfully complete the Semi-Intensive language course at the Maryland English Institute during their first semester.
• They can take up to two academic courses in addition to this English study. 

Advanced English Writing Class:

• Graduate students whose TOEFL or IELTS meets the sectional score requirements for full admission, with the exception of the writing score, will be admitted with the condition that they successfully complete the Advanced English Writing Class at the Maryland English Institute in their second semester of study.

Exempt from Submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Scores:

• Students who have received a degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. (with the exception of Puerto Rico) or a nationally recognized university in one of the countries on the subsequent list do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.  This exemption also applies to students who are currently studying for a degree at an institution in the U.S. or one of the countries on the list, but will receive their degree before enrolling at the University of Maryland.
• Note  that you must have studied in the country and not in an online program nor at a foreign branch campus to be granted the exemption.  Students who have done a dual degree Bachelor’s program and earned a degree from an institution in a country on the list and a degree from a country not on the list, must have spent at least 2 years studying in the country on the waiver list to be eligible for an exemption from submitting an English score.  
• Students who have transferred into a Bachelor's program at an institution in a country on the list must have spent at least 2 years studying in the country on the waiver list to be eligible for an exemption from submitting an English score.

Please be advised:

• The School of Music will only allow an applicant to the M.M. or D.M.A. to be exempt from submitting a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score if they have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution in the United States or another country on the waiver list.  Any applicants required to submit an English score must have a TOEFL score of at least 88 to be scheduled for an audition.  However, an English score sufficient for full admission must be received in order for admission to be processed.  Those applying to the M.M. are only required to score a 20 on the writing section of the TOEFL to qualify for full admission.
• The same TOEFL, IELTS and PTE requirements apply for applicants to online and hybrid programs (programs which are partially online and partially on campus), however, the scores must meet the requirements for full admission.  We can’t admit students to online and hybrid programs whose scores fall in the range of needing English study as they will not be on campus to attend the necessary English course.
• The same TOEFL, IELTS and PTE requirements apply for applicants to programs on the 12-week term calendar, however, the scores must meet the requirements for full admission.  English courses take place on the semester-based calendar, and students cannot be enrolled in courses on the semester-based calendar and the 12-week term calendar simultaneously.

NOTE:    These are the general TOEFL, IELTS or PTE requirements that have been established by the Graduate School.  Individual programs reserve the right to hold their applicants to more stringent requirements, including only considering applicants whose TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores meet the requirements for full admission.  We recommend that you check with the program that you are applying to in order to make sure that they do not have additional requirements above and beyond what is listed here.

Exemption from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (English-Speaking Countries)

Canada (English-speaking, i.e. not Quebec)

Cayman Islands

Grand Turks and Caicos Islands

New Zealand

Sierra Leone

South Africa (English-speaking, i.e. not Afrikaans)

St. Vincent

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

The British Virgin Islands- St. Kitts-Nevis, Anguilla

Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. Virgin Islands- St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John

United Kingdom

Note: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE is required.

Anthropology

Ph.d. program.

• Graduate Studies

The graduate program in Brown’s anthropology department encourages a diversity of doctoral research agendas in socio-cultural anthropology, anthropological archaeology, and linguistic anthropology.

Our program balances a rigorous curriculum of core classes with more specialized training in advanced courses. Our graduate seminars and independent study courses provide an engaging and rigorous tutorial approach to training. Graduate courses offered this academic year are listed on  Courses@Brown .

Brown’s graduate program is primarily PhD granting; students are not admitted to the department solely to seek a Master’s degree. Doctoral students complete requirements for a Master’s degree during their course of study, as well as additional requirements described below.

Degree Requirements

Generally awarded as part of the overall requirements for a Ph.D.

Four core courses

• ANTH2010: Principles of Cultural Anthropology
• ANTH 2020: Methods of Anthropological Research (or equivalent)
• ANTH 2501: Principles of Archaeology
• ANTH 2800: Linguistic Theory and Practice
• Four approved electives
• A Master’s Thesis
• 12 additional elective courses beyond the 8 required for the Master’s Degree (or the fulfillment of equivalent through coursework at another university) 
• Preliminary examinations in three topics
• One year of teaching experience, usually as a teaching assistant
• Approved research proposal for doctoral research
• Foreign language requirement (if required by the candidate’s doctoral committee)
• Dissertation, based on independent field research

More detailed information about the program, including a general outline of the timeline for completing the program, can be found in the Anthropology Graduate Handbook . 

Specialized Ph.D. Tracks

They choose a topic within Anthropological Demography as one of their preliminary examination topics, participate in the activities of the Working Group in Anthropology and Population, and attend the regular colloquia of the Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC). PSTC also has a set of requirements trainees must meet. Special fellowships are available to students in this program.

More information @ PSTC

The program offers specialized courses, funds field-based research, provides fellowships, hosts visiting faculty, and promotes collaborative research initiatives with partner institutions in the global south. The program builds on a core group of faculty internationally renowned for their research and scholarship in the area of development and inequality. Program activities are open to all PhD students at Brown. All trainees and fellows are eligible for summer fieldwork research grants.

More information @ Watson

Medical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that seeks to understand human experiences of health, illness, and suffering. Medical anthropologists study topics such as global health, local health systems, indigenous medicine, violence and trauma, disability and the body, gender and sexuality, biotechnology, bioethics, and social suffering. Brown’s PhD program offers an array of opportunities for students seeking specialized training in medical anthropology. Brown’s anthropology faculty are actively engaged in researching a wide variety of topics within the subfield of medical anthropology, including HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, mental illness, reproductive health, gender and sexuality, violence and trauma, biotechnology, language and medicine, anthropology of drugs, and bio-archaeology.

For more information, contact  Professor Daniel J. Smith or  Professor Katherine A. Mason.

English language requirements

Oxford’s graduate courses are demanding, and you will need to demonstrate that you have a high level of proficiency in English to take up a place here. 

If your first language is English and you have always been a resident and citizen of a majority English-speaking country recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), or you are a current Oxford student applying for readmission, you do not need to demonstrate your level of English.

It is not essential to provide evidence at the time of applying, but you may need to demonstrate that you meet the language requirement for your course in order to take up a place at Oxford. Your course page will show the level of English language proficiency required for the course: ‘Standard’ or ‘Higher’.

English language tests

Your  course page  will show the required language level and the scores you must achieve in one of the English test formats accepted by the University (IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge English). To meet the requirement, you must achieve at least the minimum score in each component  and overall in a single test.

If you already have language test scores that meet the required level for your course, please include them in your application. You can also upload test scores to your application after you have submitted it, using Graduate Applicant Self Service . 

Visit our  Application Guide  for more information about English language requirements and providing language test scores with your application.

Can I apply for graduate study at Oxford before I've taken a language test?

Yes, you can submit your application without English language test scores. If you don't submit scores, or the scores you submit don't meet the required level for your course, your application will still be assessed by the academic department as normal. 

However, if the department later makes you an offer, you may be required to submit scores that meet your course's requirement in order to take up your place. It can take a long time to secure a language test place, so you should arrange to sit a test as soon as possible. 

English language test waivers

You may be able to request a waiver of the requirement to provide English language test scores as part of your course application.

• at least nine months in duration
• undertaken at a recognised institution where teaching and assessment throughout the course is entirely in English
• has been completed within 2 years of the start date of the course to which you are applying.

You may also apply for a waiver based on substantial professional experience if:

• you have worked for a minimum of two years in a majority English speaking country where the main language for the role was English;
• your role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening and speaking);
• you worked in an appropriately technical context to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an academic environment; and
• your role has ended no more than two years before the start date of the course to which you are applying.

For more information and instructions on how to request a waiver, consult the Application Guide .

English language courses

The Oxford University Language Centre  is the University’s central hub for language learning. The centre offers courses specifically for speakers of English as an additional language to help them improve their academic English in preparation for studying here. 

Oxford online pre-sessional English course

The University offers an online pre-sessional English course which is open to international students preparing for graduate study at Oxford. You may use the English language pre-sessional Course to meet your English language condition provided you have an English language test result within the past two years. This must be no more than 0.5 IELTS points lower than the minimum overall score, and no more than 1 IELTS point lower than the minimum overall score in any of the four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening), as per the Standard or Higher level either of which will be required for your academic course ( further information about equivalencies for other tests  can be found in this Application Guide). Please contact your academic department in the first instance.  Further details about the pre-sessional English course  are available on the Language Centre's website.

• English language proficiency
• Visa and immigration
• UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
• UK Home Office

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Entry Requirements

The following requirement are needed to start a PhD at Wageningen University & Research (WUR):

Proof of Funding, including tuition fees

For a candidate to be able to start a PhD at Wageningen University & Research funding must be guaranteed.

For the period between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024, Scholarship PhD candidates will only be accepted to the Wageningen PhD programme in case they have a:

- scholarship with a living allowance that is sufficient for the whole PhD trajectory (for candidates starting between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024 this amount is EUR 1750,- per month), O R

- scholarship with a monthly living allowance equivalent to the ind budget threshold (eur 1564,47 from 1 january 2024 to 30 june 2024 - see dutch government immigration website ) and guaranteed future adherence to the ind budget threshold. this should be laid down in an agreement between the scholarship phd candidate and the scholarship provider., moreover, funds for research and possibly tuition fees are applicable. below the tuition fees for the different phd categories are listed. these fees are to cover an office space, working facilities, access to the library and a wageningen university & research ict account., master's degree.

The candidate must have obtained a master’s degree that is comparable to a Dutch MSc. This is evaluated by NUFFIC, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. Hence, accredited master’s degrees obtained in the Netherlands are automatically recognised. See “ Required documents ” for details on documents that must be submitted depending on where the candidate obtained the master’s degree.

When a master’s degree is not recognised by NUFFIC, as equivalent to a Dutch master's, a Qualifying Exam (QE) may be required. If a qualifying exam is required, this will be indicated by PhD Services. The content is determined by the promoter in consultation with the candidate, in accordance with the rules for QE. These rules are stated in the Doctorate Regulations, which are determined by the Academic Board of Wageningen University & Research. Note that this QE exam is not part of the Training and Education Programme as formulated in the Training and Supervision Plan (TSP). The QE must be obtained within the first year of the PhD project.

Language requirements

In order to be admitted to the PhD program, the PhD candidate must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language, as well as the Dutch language when the thesis is written in Dutch, at the level established by the Academic Board.

English language proficiency

There are no language requirements when the PhD candidate:

• has completed a master degree at a Dutch University;
• comes from an English speaking country and/or;
• has completed a higher education with English as the main language of instruction.

There are language requirements when the PhD candidate:

• does not have a master degree at a Dutch University;
• does not come from an English speaking country and/or;
• has not completed a higher education with English as the main language of instruction.

When the PhD candidate has language requirements to be met, an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English language must be submitted.

This must be done prior to the registration at the graduate school and the test results may not be older than 24 months at the moment of application.

Note: a PhD candidate cannot be registered in the Hora Finita without meeting the language requirements. Hora Finita is the PhD registration system of Wageningen University & Research.

Ph.D. Degree

Students enter the Ph.D Program, based upon a vote of the faculty, at the time the M.A. degree is conferred or, if entering with a master’s degree, when all requirements demonstrating basic knowledge in the field of anthropology are completed.

The Ph.D Program

The Ph.D degree requires further study in a more specialized branch of anthropology, requiring at least one further year of academic study.  Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the discipline by successful completion of: (1) the Written Qualifying Examination administered by a three-member Departmental Doctoral Committee, (2) the Oral Qualifying Examination administered by a four-member Ph.D Doctoral Committee and, (3) the writing of an original dissertation based on original research.  The dissertation is expected to be a significant contribution to anthropological literature and knowledge.

Beyond basic requirements, each student’s program of study is unique. Accordingly, academic advising for graduate students in the department is primarily conducted on an individual basis by a student’s faculty adviser. The department’s graduate adviser is primarily responsible for counseling students in regard to program requirements, policies, and university regulations. Upon admission, students will be assigned both a primary and a secondary first-year adviser.

Student progress is periodically reviewed at faculty meetings. Students entering the program with a master’s degree are expected to be evaluated no later than their sixth quarter (spring quarter of their second year). At the Student Review Meeting, which occurs once per academic quarter, the full faculty evaluates the student’s progress in the program: formation of three-member departmental advisory committee; completion of the Proseminar and core courses; and evaluation of the Master’s research paper or thesis. Possible outcomes of the Student Review for students entering with a Master’s degree are: a) continuation to the Ph.D. program requirements; b) one-quarter extension to complete remaining requirements; and c) recommendation for academic disqualification from the Ph.D. program. All students are notified in writing about the outcome of the faculty discussion concerning their continuation to the doctoral program or degree progress. Students continue to be reviewed periodically throughout their time in the PhD program. The purpose of these reviews is to assess academic progress and help to ensure timely completion of the PhD.

Students entering the program with a Master’s degree

Students who are entering the graduate program with a Master’s degree, whether or not in anthropology, are required to demonstrate basic knowledge of the discipline before being permitted to begin the requirements for the doctorate. It is expected that students accomplish this during the first year of academic residence through the following:

• Nominating a three-member departmental advisory committee.
• Completing the Proseminar (Anthropology 200).
• Taking the core course or methods course with a passing grade of B or better.
• Petitioning that course work completed elsewhere, or at UCLA as an undergraduate, constitutes the equivalent of such courses.
• Passing the subfield’s core course examination given in the Spring Quarter.
• Submitting to the student’s departmental advisory committee, for evaluation, a master’s paper or a research paper that was written while in graduate status in their former Master’s program.

Additional Course Requirement for Students in the Sociocultural and Psychocultural-Medical Program: All students in the Sociocultural and Psychocultural-Medical program are required to take Anthropology 283 – Proposal Writing, typically offered in the Spring. Students must consult with their three-member departmental advisory committee chair before enrolling. Students are expected to complete the course in their second year but may complete it no later than the quarter they hold their qualifying examination. Students who entered the graduate program with a Master’s degree must complete this course by their ninth quarter (third year) in the program.

A grade of B or better is required in any core course taken at UCLA. If students received a grade of B-, C+, or C, they may not repeat the core course, but must take the core course examination and pass or be subject to being recommended for academic disqualification. If a grade of C- or below is received, students may repeat the course, but must receive a grade of B or better the second time the course is taken, or be subject to being recommended for academic disqualification.

Only when these requisites have been met are students permitted to begin the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. Completion of 40 units is not required.

Students who completed the M.A in Anthropology at UCLA

Students who are entering the graduate program without a Master’s degree must complete all of the M.A. degree requirements en route to the Ph.D. Following completion of the M.A. degree requirements and permission by the faculty to begin the Ph.D. requirements, students are expected to enroll in three seminars, each with a different faculty member, between receipt of the M.A. degree from the department and taking the doctoral qualifying examinations.

Additional Course Requirement for Students in the Sociocultural and Psychocultural-Medical Program: All students in the Sociocultural and Psychocultural-Medical program are required to take Anthropology 283 – Proposal Writing, typically offered in the Spring. Students must consult with their three-member departmental advisory committee chair before enrolling. Students are expected to complete the course in their second year but may complete it no later than the quarter they hold their qualifying examination. Students who completed the M.A. degree requirements must complete this course by their 12th quarter (fourth year) in the program.

Foreign Language Requirement

Fulfilling the foreign language requirement  is not a requirement to be eligible to apply to the graduate program.

The department requires proficiency in a second language for all students in the Ph.D. program in anthropology. It is the responsibility of the student’s three-member departmental doctoral committee to determine what language(s) are required for their particular program of study.

If the requirement for second language proficiency is to be waived, students must prepare a request for a Ph.D. language requirement waiver, which consists of a letter justifying the request, addressed to the committee and filed with the graduate adviser. The committee must then draft a letter of approval, to be placed in the student’s file. If alternate research skills that are deemed necessary for the program of study for the student’s dissertation have been identified and satisfied, these are noted by the committee. However, no specific other courses or skills are obligatory.

If foreign language proficiency is required, proficiency will be determined by the three-member departmental doctoral committee and may include but is not limited to:

• Completion of an appropriate level of language instruction; or
• Demonstration of previously acquired language skills through documentation or an examination; or
• Submission of an annotated bibliography, in English, of selected publications (in the selected language) that are related to the student’s dissertation topic.

The bibliography may be supplemented by a related analytical examination question or further translation examination.

For students required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency, all monitoring of the requirement takes place within the department. The committee chair is responsible for consulting with other committee members about the language requirement and plans for proficiency testing, and notifying them of the results of those tests, or otherwise providing them with copies of the documentation of proficiency.

Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations

The qualifying examinations for the Ph.D. degree consist of a written and an oral examination. The timing of these examinations is set in consultation with the members of the doctoral committee. Students must be registered and enrolled to take the qualifying examinations. The committee for each examination determines the conditions for reexamination should students not pass either portion of the qualifying examinations.

Departmental members of the doctoral committee administer the written portion of the qualifying examination. The fields and format of the examination are to be determined by the student’s departmental doctoral committee. There must be a minimum of two weeks between completion of the written examination and the scheduled date for the oral portion of the qualifying examination.

The University Oral Qualifying Examination is primarily a defense of the dissertation proposal. This examination is administered by the four-member doctoral committee.

Doctoral Dissertation

Doctoral candidates must complete an approved dissertation that demonstrates the student’s ability to perform original, independent research, and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in the principal field of study.

Final Oral Examination

The department does not require a final oral defense of the dissertation. However, individual doctoral committees can institute this requirement if they deem it important to do so; this decision is made by the doctoral committee.

Time to Degree

Full-time students admitted without deficiencies normally progress as follows:

Entering without a Master’s degree

• Completion of M.A. degree  and approval to begin the Ph.D. requirements: End of sixth quarter
• Selection of three internal members of the doctoral committee: During ninth quarter
• Four-person doctoral committee nomination: End of 11th quarter
• Completion of foreign language requirement, unless exempted: During 12th quarter
• Completion of written and oral qualifying examinations: Expected by end of 12th quarter
• Advancement to candidacy: Expected by end of 12th quarter
• Final oral examination (dissertation defense), if applicable: Expected by end of 24th quarter
• Normative time-to-degree: 24 quarters (8 years)

Entering with a Master’s degree

• Selection of three internal members of the doctoral committee: During sixth quarter
• Approval to begin the Ph.D requirements: End of sixth quarter
• Four-person doctoral committee nomination: End of eighth quarter
• Completion of foreign language requirement, unless exempted: During ninth quarter
• Completion of written and oral qualifying examinations: Expected by end of ninth quarter
• Advancement to candidacy: Expected by end of ninth quarter
• Final oral examination (dissertation defense), if applicable: Expected by end of 21st quarter
• Expected time-to-degree: 21st quarter (7 years)

If feasible, students may complete the program before the expected or normative time-to-degree.

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English language requirements for PhD admission

Applicants who were educated abroad, must document their proficiency in English when applying for the PhD programme

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The following tests and results are accepted by the faculty of medicine for admission to the phd programme.

The PhD programme at the Faculty of Medicine is mainly conducted in English. Applicants who were educated abroad must document their proficiency in English in accordance with current rules:  https://www.uib.no/en/education/49142/english-language-requirements-mast...

Exceptions from the above requirements 

Applicants from anglophone countries (Australia, Canada, Irland, UK, USA and New Zealand), applicants who have completed a minimum of one year's univeristy education in these countries and applicants whose secondary education is from Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, parts of Cameroun, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Sør-Afrika, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia og Zimbabwe are exempt from the requirement to provide an English language test.

For information about language requirements for applicants from other countries, please consult the university's  country list . (Note that only the language requirements are relevant for PhD applicants)

Applicants with Higher Education Entrance Qualification "Generell Studiekompetanse" from Norwegian Secondary Schools do not have to document their English Skills further. 

Exemptions are also made for the following applicants:

• candidates who have been first author on at least two scientific publications published in English in international, peer-reviewed journals
• candidates who can document that their master’s programme was taught entirely in English
• candidates who have studied English as a subject at university level (minimum 30 ECTS credits)

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PhD Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in linguistics is individually tailored to the needs and professional goals of the student. The programs combines a foundation in functional/usage-based linguistics theory with a strong preparation in empirical research methods, both in the laboratory as well as in field settings.

We have particular strengths in descriptive linguistics and language revitalization, historical/typological/areal linguistics, first and second language acquisition, second language teaching, laboratory phonology and phonetics, sociolinguistics and corpus linguistics. The program draws strong interdisciplinary support from related fields on the university campus including East Asian and Romance linguistics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Anthropology, and Computer Science.

Apply to the PhD Program in Linguistics

Applicants who intend to pursue a PhD should apply directly to the PhD program. It is not necessary to complete the MA first.

Graduate Admissions

Coursework: 32 Credit Hours Total

Students must complete at least 32 hours of graduate courses at the University of Oregon after commencing the PhD program. The coursework must be approved by their doctoral advisor

The required courses for the PhD degree are

• Two of LING 614 615, and 616, together with their prerequisites (LING 511, 550, 551, and 535 if determined by the student's advisor and the Department's Director of Graduate Studies).
• Two of LING 507, LING 607, and /or equivalent seminar courses.
• Three methods courses, such as Field Methods, Empirical Methods, or other courses approved by the student's advisor.

For each student, the specific course requirement in (b) and (c) are to be determined by the student's advisor and Department's Director of Graduate Studies, as are all other courses required for the PhD No course with a grade lower than a B- may be used to satisfy degree requirements.

Language Requirements

Students in the PhD program must demonstrate proficiency, either by examination or through coursework, in a language other than their native language, equivalent to two years of college classroom instruction. English can satisfy this requirement for students who are not native speakers of English.

In addition, the student must demonstrate either 1) proficiency in an additional 'research language', or 2) statistics and/or programming equivalent to a year of graduate study. Research languages are meta-languages through which a researcher gains access to subject matter in linguistics or gaining access to the field site (a language for research). Traditionally, library languages, such as French, German, Russian, or Chinese, meet this requirement well. A research language could also be a language which is used to gain access to the field, such as Tagalog would be for field work in the Philippines. Knowledge of a language which is the object of the student's study will not satisfy this requirement. Statistics and programming classes used to satisfy this requirement are in addition to coursework used to satisfy the research methods requirement and cannot be used for that purpose.

Forming an Advisory Committee

Every PhD student should form an advisory committee of faculty in consultation with their advisor. The committee should consist of three faculty members from within the department who could be core members of a dissertation committee (i.e., tenure-track faculty within the department). Other faculty members (within the department or from elsewhere) may be added as additional members. 

For those forming a dissertation committee, this is the default advisory committee. A dissertation committee must have four members, three of whom must be from within the department and one of which must be from outside of the department.

For those who are not yet at the point of forming a dissertation committee, this committee is of faculty who are likely to be on the dissertation committee or to be among the preferred pool from whom Qualifying Paper reviewers might be drawn. The committee members may be changed from year to year as the student’s area of specialization evolves.

The committee is expected to meet annually with each student beginning in either the Spring of the student’s first year or the Fall of their second year. This forum allows the faculty to provide feedback and remain informed about students’ progress and ideas. At this meeting, the student presents goals/plans/progress on projects and raises any questions or concerns. After the meeting, the student writes a short summary of meeting outcomes (e.g. a “to do” list) and circulates this to the committee with a copy to the Director of Graduate Studies and to the Graduate Coordinator.

Second-Year Review

By the end of a doctoral student's second year, they shall be given a review by members of the linguistics faculty. Materials submitted for this review must include the following:

• A research plan for the next year’s course work, qualifying papers, and any other details worked out in consultation with the student's advisor
• Written evidence of scholarly potential. For example, a student may provide a substantive term paper or revision of a term paper that demonstrates excellence of original research. A student's linguistics master's thesis can fulfill this requirement.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students in the PhD program should advance to candidacy within four years of first enrollment in the PhD program. In addition to successful completion of the course requirements, advancement to candidacy requires two original publishable papers, of substantial length and quality, in different subfields of linguistics (QPs). The term “different subfields” may include two different methodological approaches to a single broad topic. A QP is considered publishable if the QP review committee deems it to provide sufficient evidence of the student’s readiness to perform PhD-level research and write a dissertation, and that it stands a reasonable chance of acceptance by a refereed venue such as a peer-reviewed journal -- although the QP itself is not required to be accepted for publication, and may be submitted to a non-refereed venue. An unmodified MA thesis cannot serve as one of the QPs. A QP may be, however, a publishable expansion or revision of an M.A. thesis or publishable term paper written for a course conducted by any faculty member in the Department or, where deemed reasonable, for a course conducted by a faculty member outside the Department. The QP may be written under the supervision of either (a) the student’s advisor or (b) another faculty member, in consultation with the student’s advisor, who approves the topic and the final version.

On submitting each QP to the committee, and after consultation with the student’s advisor, the student indicates in a cover note or e-mail to the QP coordinator the intended publication venue for the QP. In reviewing the QP, the QP committee takes into consideration the appropriateness of the proposed venue for the content of the QP.

Submission of both QPs to the proposed venue(s) is required before the student can advance to candidacy. Before applying to the Graduate School for advancement to candidacy, the student must submit to the QP coordinator either (a) their cover letter to the venue to which each of the two QPs was sent, or (b) in the case of invited publications, the invitation letter. The publishing venue may be a refereed journal, a refereed or non-refereed conference proceedings volume, an online publication, or another venue. While submission of each QP to a publishing venue is required for advancement to candidacy, acceptance for publication is not a requirement.

Doctoral Committee and Dissertation

The doctoral committee must include at least three Linguistics faculty members and one outside member, and must be either chaired or co-chaired by the student’s doctoral advisor in Linguistics. A dissertation prospectus must be submitted in writing to, and approved by, the doctoral committee before the writing of the dissertation commences. The PhD will be granted upon completion of the preceding requirements, the writing of an original dissertation acceptable to the doctoral committee, and an oral examination on the dissertation.

Ph.D. in English

Our nationally ranked Ph.D. program provides specialized training in literary, cultural and language studies for students who plan to teach at universities and colleges. 

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English Ph.D. students pursue individualized programs of study within the parameters of our degree requirements; they share the qualities of excellent critical thinking and writing, and above all, of intellectual curiosity. Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive, but all admitted students receive a five-year funding package. Once our students enter, they are mutually supportive and develop networks of collegial friends often maintained beyond their time at UMD.

Our students gain extensive teaching experience as part of their training at UMD, and our placement record is among the best in the nation.

Students moving successfully toward the Ph.D. degree are expected to complete the degree typically in five to six years. To maintain their status, students are expected to make satisfactory progress; those who do not may be eligible to change their degree objective from the Ph.D. to the M.A.

The Ph.D. curriculum offers opportunities for advanced study in a variety of literary and language fields, including literary and cultural history; aesthetic, critical and cultural theory; digital and media studies; humanistic engagement with the sciences; and language, rhetoric and composition. The curriculum addresses a series of broad questions relevant to such studies: What are the histories, genealogies and futures of literary, cultural and rhetorical studies? What is the relationship of such work to society, politics and history? To the media of representation and communication? To reading and writing practices? To disciplinarity and institutional contexts? How do we conceptualize, teach and apprehend aesthetics through literary and other modes of cultural expression? The courses available to doctoral students particularize such broad issues and, together with extensive attention to pedagogy and teacher-training, have as a general objective the training of students to identify and formulate compelling research questions and the preparation of students for long-term careers in academia.

The program combines flexibility with consistent and continuous mentorship from the faculty and the director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The degree requirements are as follows:

• a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits) at the graduate level, including three required courses, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 (see Satisfactory Progress)
• between 3 and 6 credits of ENGL898, Pre-candidacy Research
• reading facility in a second language
• successful passage of a qualifying examination
• an approved dissertation prospectus
• a successful dissertation defense

Students who begin the Ph.D. program having earned an M.A. in English would be expected to complete a minimum of 8courses (24 credits) of coursework.

Course Requirements

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits) for students entering the program without an M.A. This includes 2 required courses. All coursework must be completed with a minimum of a 3.6 GPA (see Satisfactory Progress). Students are required to take ENGL601: “Literary Research and Critical Contexts”; and ENGL611: “Approaches to College Composition” as part of their 10 course requirement. Students are also strongly encouraged to take ENGL602: “Critical Theory and Literary Criticism” as a part of their course of study. In addition, students will select a minimum of 8 additional graduate courses. The degree assumes conversance with the major body of English and American literature as well as familiarity with bibliography, research methods and other necessary tools of the trade.

Students may take up to 2 independent-study courses to fulfill 600-level electives. Students interested in taking an independent-study course for elective credit should collaborate with their professor in writing up an intended course of study and file it with the Graduate Office for approval by the DGS before the first day of classes each semester. Please see the form here .

Students may also make special arrangements to do additional work in their 600-level courses to have those courses count as a seminar/700 level course. Students wishing to take a 600-level class as a seminar must provide the Graduate Studies Office with the required seminar credit form and syllabus detailing the additional work that will be undertaken in order for the course to be counted as a 700-level seminar at the beginning of the semester. Students may not take an independent study for seminar/700 level credit except in extreme circumstances and only after receiving permission from the DGS.

Newly admitted Ph.D. students entering the program with an M.A. from another institution should meet with the director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to have their academic record evaluated; the DGS will establish what courses taken during the previous M.A. can count toward the Ph.D. distribution requirements or recommend courses that will enable their completion. Students who begin the Ph.D. program having earned an M.A. in English from another institution would be expected to complete a minimum of 8 courses (24 credits) of coursework, but may be required to complete more at the DGS’s discretion. All Ph.D. students should select courses with two primary goals in mind: 1) filling in gaps in their knowledge of literary history and 2) developing an area of scholarly expertise and professionalization.

The DGS will help students select courses and act as the general advisor for students entering the program. Students will be assigned mentoring teams just prior to their first semester and this mentoring team, in conjunction with the DGS, will help them select courses for the second semester. After the first year in coursework, students can work directly with their mentors to choose appropriate courses.

During the coursework phase of the program each student will meet with his or her advising team and/or the DGS in order to assess academic progress and to discuss his or her intended degree track and plans for professionalization. Students whose GPA for the first completed 15 credits of coursework is 3.0 or lower will be offered the option of pursuing the terminal M.A. degree or of resigning from the graduate program altogether.

A note on incompletes: Students are generally discouraged from taking incompletes, but especially so at the beginning of their coursework, in order to ensure that academic progress can be accurately assessed. If an incomplete is necessary in the first 15 credits of coursework, the DGS must be consulted in addition to the instructor of the course. 

Foreign Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate, by equivalencies or exam, reading knowledge of one language other than English. When satisfying this requirement, students are encouraged to choose a foreign language that is appropriate for his or her area of doctoral studies. The director of Graduate Studies (DGS), the student's mentors and the student will coordinate in determining the appropriate language. In addition to the foreign language requirement administered by the Graduate Studies Office (GSO), the student's dissertation committee may also recommend more advanced proficiency in the language selected and/or work in an additional language; however, the student is obliged to be tested on (or to provide an equivalent for) only one language. The foreign language requirement must be fulfilled before the student can be admitted to his or her qualifying exam and no later than the fifth semester in the program in order to maintain satisfactory progress.

Equivalencies : Equivalencies include: native speaking ability; undergraduate major; passage of an equivalent requirement in another graduate program; a grade of B or better in a 300-level course in the language taken at the University of Maryland after starting the Ph.D. program. A 300-level course must emphasize the fluent use of the language in a variety of formats and all major assignments in the course must be conducted in the language and not in English. The written work for the course must be evaluated for language and style as well as for organizational accuracy and coherence. The DGS will determine whether coursework or other equivalencies are appropriate and sufficiently recent to attest to proficiency.

Timeline : If foreign language equivalency is not fulfilled prior to admission, students have the option of taking a foreign language exam at the end of their first or second semester of the Ph.D. program. Students who have not fulfilled the foreign language requirement by the end of their second semester will test out of or enroll in a prerequisite entry-level foreign language class in their third semester. Students will have the opportunity of (re-) taking the exam during the first week of their third semester. Students who pass the exam can drop the prerequisite language class. Students who do not pass will complete (or test out of) the pre-requisite class and will have another opportunity to take the language exam at the end of their third semester. Students who have not fulfilled the foreign language requirement by the end of their third semester will take a 300-level language class in their fourth semester. Students who do not receive a grade of “B” or better in the foreign language class during their fourth semester will retake the class or/and the language exam in their fifth semester. (Students admitted prior to Fall 2015 must fulfill their foreign language requirement by their 5th semester in the program, and before taking a qualifying exam, but are exempt from the rest of this timeline.)

The Foreign Language Exam : At least one month prior to the exam, students will choose and submit to the GSO for its approval two books of at least 200 pages in the foreign language, one primary work and one secondary work (both works must have been originally written in the target language and may not be translated works). The GSO will determine the appropriateness of the student’s choice. ('Appropriateness' does not necessarily mean that the primary text must come from your period of specialization and that the secondary text must be about your period, simply that the texts are equivalent in difficulty to other texts students are tested on.) Once the student’s choice of texts has been approved, the GSO will assign an appropriate faculty member to administer the exam and provide this faculty member with a set of guidelines and expectations for the foreign language exam. The faculty member administering the exam will choose a 250- to 300-word passage from each, the primary and the secondary work. The student will have three hours to prepare the translation with the help of a dictionary. The faculty administrator will evaluate the translations and determine whether or not the student passed or failed, based on the guidelines provided by the GSO. The GSO will keep on file all exams and make them available to students preparing for the exam.

Students will be assigned two faculty mentors in their first year and will serve as a research assistant for one of them in the fall and the other in the spring.

These advising teams are charged with meeting with the student at least once each semester and with filing a report (no more than a page) each semester on the student’s progress with the Graduate Studies office. Students are expected to remain in regular contact with their advisors.  The members of each advising team will help students select courses, otherwise navigate the program and begin the process of professionalization, and they will act generally as resources for the student, as well as sign off on the student's self-evaluation form. The DGS will remain available to all students in all stages of the program to assist in advising.

As students are preparing to advance to candidacy, the advising team will help the student form the qualifying examination committee. The advising committee may be separate from the examination committee. From this point until the constitution of the dissertation defense committee, the qualifying examination committee will act as the student's primary advisors.

All students are expected to keep regular contact with the DGS and their advising teams throughout all stages of the program. Measures to be used to assess progress include the student’s grades, other evidence of the quality of coursework, schedule for meeting requirements for candidacy and schedule for completing the dissertation.

Qualifying Exams

To advance to candidacy, all Ph.D. students must complete the oral Qualifying Examination. The language requirement must be satisfied before a student can take his or her qualifying exam. Students should contact the Graduate Office eight weeks before to schedule an exam date and reserve a room. A signed copy of the reading list must also be submitted when scheduling the exam .

Planning for the Qualifying Examination

In order to be admitted to Qualifying Exams, students must have satisfactorily completed all their coursework and met the foreign language requirement. Students with outstanding incompletes in coursework are not eligible to take the exam. Students should consult with their appointed advising teams in forming an examination committee that will administer the Qualifying Exam and serve as the student's advising committee until the constitution of the dissertation committee. The exam committee consists of four graduate faculty members, including a chair and three committee members. (Please note that while many students do keep the same committee for their dissertation, it is not a requirement.) Students register for a range of 3 to 6 credit hours of ENGL898, “Pre-Candidacy Research,” and are expected to meet regularly with the chair and at least one member of their examination committees under this rubric.

We encourage Ph.D. students to take the Qualifying Examination by their sixth semester in the doctoral program and expect them to sit for the exam no later than their seventh semester. Students who received an M.A. prior to admission are expected to complete coursework more quickly and take their qualifying exams as early as the fifth semester in the program.

The Reading List

The Qualifying Examination is based on a reading list compiled by the student in consultation with his or her committee. The list will include roughly 80-120 works, chosen to cover two of the following categories: a literary period; a recognized field; the proposed area of the dissertation.  For students planning to work in literature, it is assumed that a 100-year period will be covered. The field may be interpreted as any discrete literary concern that has accrued a body of serious critical thought and may include such diverse subjects as genre; literary, linguistic or theoretical criticism or methodology; a sub-period. Typically, students develop a literary period or field list of approximately 75 works and a more focused list of 25 works on the proposed dissertation topic; also typically, around 80 percent of the list consists of primary texts and 20 percent of secondary titles. But there are wide varieties in lists (some will be longer than others; some will have more criticism than others; etc.) The reading list must be approved by the committee chair and all committee members eight weeks prior to the examination. A copy of the reading list, signed by your committee, must be turned into the Graduate Office eight weeks prior to scheduling the exam.

The exam consists of two 60-minute parts: 1) an oral presentation by the student and follow-up discussion of the presentation; 2) a general examination on the reading lists.

Working in consultation with other members of the committee and the student, the committee chair prepares 2-4 topics for part one of the exam, the student's oral presentation. The student will receive the topics from the Graduate Office one week before the oral examination. The exam begins with the student's 15-20-minute oral presentation on the selected topic. The student may bring a copy of the reading list and brief notes to the exam. Students may also use PowerPoint or any other technological aid for their presentation. A 35-40 minute discussion follows the student's presentation.

Part two is an approximately one-hour examination on the student's two reading lists. The emphasis here is on breadth.

At the conclusion of the examination the student leaves the room and the committee discusses and votes on the student's performance. Three passing votes constitute a passing grade on the exam. If the student fails the exam, they can retake the exam the following semester. The student will receive a written assessment from the chair of the committee indicating the reasons for the failure. The examination committee and reading list should remain the same from the initial to the second attempt. Changes must be requested, in writing, to the DGS, and may be made only upon approval by the DGS. Failing the exam a second time disqualifies the student from continuing in the Ph.D. program. The DGS or a representative from the Graduate Studies Committee will be present at the second attempt to ensure procedural fairness. The chair of the examining committee informs the director of Graduate Studies in writing about the result of the exam.

Teaching assistants receive a step promotion and a small raise in stipend once they have advanced to candidacy. Upon advancing to candidacy, the student has four years to complete the dissertation; the Graduate School grants extensions only in extreme circumstances.  Students generally complete the dissertation in 2-3 years. Candidacy forms to be submitted to the Graduate School must be filed at the English graduate office. See Ph.D. Deadlines and Paperwork. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form (save to your hard drive to access the text fields) with the Graduate Office each semester.

Dissertation Prospectus

The prospectus is to be submitted within four months of passing the qualifying exam. The prospectus establishes that the student has defined a research question that is worth pursuing and is in a position to do a good job of pursuing it. The prospectus should be developed in consultation with your committee.

Dissertation

Students have successfully passed the qualifying exam and have advanced to candidacy. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form with the Graduate Office each semester. Ph.D. candidates are expected to file an approved dissertation prospectus within four months of passing the qualifying exam. At least three of the four members of the student’s dissertation committee are expected to meet annually with the student to review progress. A successful defense of dissertation is the final requirement for the degree. Students must graduate within four years of advancing to candidacy. All graduate students must register for courses and pay associated tuition and fees each semester, not including summer and winter sessions, until the degree is awarded. 

Dissertation Committee

The Ph.D. student should be thinking about assembling a Dissertation Committee while still taking courses and identifying areas of specialization for the Qualifying Examination. In many cases, the dissertation committee is the same as the Qualifying Examination committee. A Dissertation Committee consists of four faculty members (one of whom may be University of Maryland faculty outside of the English department), who advise the student on his/her dissertation. One member serves as the student's dissertation director. All members of the dissertation committee must be members of the University of Maryland's graduate faculty. If a student wishes to include in his or her dissertation committee a person who is not currently a member of the University's general graduate faculty, that person will have to be nominated by the department as adjunct or special member of the university's graduate faculty and approved as such by the Graduate School. The nomination by the department is made on the recommendation of the department's full graduate faculty by simple majority.

The Ph.D. student should consult with the director of Graduate Studies and his or her advising team concerning the selection of the Dissertation Committee.

The prospectus should demonstrate that the student:

• has defined and delimited an interesting research question
• can explain the importance of the research question and the contribution that it will make to the field
• is familiar with the existing scholarship related to the research question and can describe the relationship of the dissertation project to that scholarship (review of the literature)
• has developed a theoretical framework for the argument and a methodology for your project.

The prospectus should be between 8-12 pages in length. It should be written in clear prose and include a bibliography. The prospectus, including a one-page abstract and the completed prospectus form (signed by the all four committee members), should be turned in to the English graduate office.

Dissertation Workshop

We urge students to take the Dissertation Workshop (1 credit of ENGL898) in the semester following successful passage of the qualifying examination. Taught by members of the department’s faculty and convened weekly as a seminar, usually during the fall semester, the workshop concentrates on helping students advance their work on the dissertation, whether they are developing a prospectus or writing individual chapters.

Dissertation Template

Please refer to the Graduate School instructions for dissertation templates here (full dissertation template available here ) for clarity and guidance in constructing your dissertation for submission and committee review.

Dissertation Defense Committee

When the dissertation is nearly complete and the major advisor has approved moving on to this penultimate step, the Ph.D. candidate 1) submits to the Graduate School a request to appoint the Dissertation Oral Committee and 2) schedules the dissertation defense. Consisting of five faculty, this committee normally includes the four members of the candidate's Dissertation Committee and an additional member of the university’s graduate faculty serving as the graduate dean's representative.  

In accordance with Graduate School regulations, that representative must be from outside the department. All members of the Defense Committee appointed by the Graduate School must attend the defense. Students must submit their final draft of their dissertation to their committee at least two weeks before the defense date. Typically, the defense is a two-hour discussion of the dissertation. Four of the five members of the Dissertation Defense Committee must approve the dissertation in order for the student to pass.  

Please see the Dissertation Policies here

Submission of Dissertation

The approved dissertation must be submitted electronically to the Graduate School by the deadlines posted for graduation in a given semester (see the Graduate School Deadlines ). Information about all aspects of electronic submission of the dissertation is available on the Graduate School's website .

Completing the Ph.D. involves careful attention to deadlines imposed and paperwork required by the Graduate School.

Students are expected to complete their coursework and meet the foreign language requirement by no later than their fifth semester in the program. Please contact the Graduate Office to schedule your language exam and confirm the acceptability of equivalences if you wish to not take an exam to meet your language requirement. 

Students are expected to advance to candidacy by successfully passing their qualifying examination by their seventh semester in the program. Please contact the Graduate Office to schedule your qualifying exam. Submit your form for candidacy advancement to the Graduate Office (2116 Tawes) upon successful completion of your qualifying exam. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form with the Graduate Office each semester.

Students must file an approved dissertation prospectus with the Graduate Office no later than four months following the qualifying examination. 

Specific deadlines for students intending to graduate will be announced on the English graduate-student reflector and are also available from the Graduate School's Deadlines for Graduates . Most of the necessary paperwork for these deadlines can be found on the Graduate School's General Forms for Graduate Students .

Graduate Admissions

We seek applicants who will enhance our highly motivated, academically accomplished, and intellectually and culturally diverse student body. We normally receive about 100 applications annually for M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Ph.D. Application Instructions

Submit the complete application and all supporting materials by December 1, 2023 . Please note that the system will close promptly at midnight, so you will be unable to edit your application past 11:59 pm on this date. The system is set to Maryland time (EST). If you are uncertain about what time that the system will close in your timezone, please look it up. We are unable to make exceptions for late applications based on timezone.

Admission to the Ph.D. is highly competitive. If you would like to be considered for the M.A. program if not selected for the Ph.D. program, please indicate that in your personal statement. We expect to enroll between 6-8 Ph.D. students for this year's cohort.

University of Maryland's Graduate Application Process

The University of Maryland’s Graduate School accepts applications through its application system . Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions.

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

• Graduate Application
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program
• Statement of Goals, Research Interests, and Experiences. The statement, which should be around 1000 words, should address relevant aspects of your educational experience, the focus of your academic interests, and reasons for applying to our program. If you are applying to the PhD program but would like to be considered for the MA if you are not selected for the PhD, please indicate that here.
• Unofficial transcripts of your entire college/university record (undergraduate and graduate), including records of any advanced work done at another institution. Electronic copies of these unofficial transcripts must be uploaded along with your on-line application. Official transcripts will be required after an applicant is admitted to the program.
• Three letters of recommendation . In your on-line application, please complete fully the information requested for your recommenders and ask them to submit their letters electronically. We do not accept letters through Interfolio.
•  A single sample of critical writing of approximately 12-20 pages double-spaced (not including works cited/bibliography). While we encourage you to submit your best writing sample, we prefer a writing sample in your declared field of interest. If you are submitting an excerpted selection, please include a brief description or introduction to the selection. The MLA citation format is preferred.
• Academic CV/Resume

The electronic submission of application materials helps expedite the review of an application. Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the committees are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. Students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the Dean.  To ensure the integrity of the application process, the University of Maryland authenticates submitted materials through TurnItIn for Admissions .

Information for International Graduate Students

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students.  International applicants are encouraged to explore the services they offer, and contact them with related questions.

The University of Maryland Graduate School offers admission to international students based on academic information; it is not a guarantee of attendance.  Admitted international students will then receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland which will require submission of additional documents.  Please see the Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants for more information.

Questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School .

Prospective Student FAQ

Because many of our applicants share general questions about the application process, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to make applying a bit easier.

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